More than 100 venture capital-backed startups achieved unicorn status in 2025, fueled by an investor surge in artificial intelligence and other sectors, according to data compiled by TechCrunch from Crunchbase and PitchBook. While AI-related companies dominated the list, a notable number of startups in industries like satellite technology and blockchain also reached the $1 billion valuation mark.

Among the newly minted unicorns is Unconventional AI, founded in 2025 by Naveen Rao, the former head of AI at Databricks. The company, which is developing an energy-efficient computer specifically designed for AI applications, secured a $475 million seed round from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed, Rao told Bloomberg. This funding underscores the intense investor interest in hardware solutions aimed at addressing the growing energy demands of AI.

Heven Aerotech, a startup founded in 2019, also joined the unicorn club in December. The company is focused on developing hydrogen-powered drones and recently closed a $100 million Series B round, bringing its total funding to $115.2 million. Investors in Heven Aerotech include IonQ, according to PitchBook data. The development of hydrogen-powered drones represents a potentially significant advancement in drone technology, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional battery-powered systems.

Saviynt, an identity management cybersecurity startup established in 2010, achieved unicorn status after raising a $700 million Series B round. The company has secured a total of $740 million in funding to date. Saviynt's success reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity solutions, particularly in the realm of identity management, as businesses grapple with evolving cyber threats.

The rise of these new unicorns highlights the continued dynamism of the startup ecosystem, with investors eager to back companies developing innovative solutions across a range of industries. TechCrunch will continue to update its list of 2025 unicorns throughout the year, providing ongoing coverage of the emerging powerhouse startups.