Unveiling Europe’s Rising Unicorn Stars of 2026

The European tech startup scene welcomed five new unicorns in January, signaling a strong investor appetite in the region. From Belgium to Ukraine, these companies raised funding above the $1 billion mark, showcasing potential for growth and innovation.

Before delving into the details of these new unicorns, it’s important to consider a couple of caveats that may impact their classification and success.

Firstly, some startups may be incorporated in other regions but have significant operations or roots in Europe. This distinction is crucial until a unified European corporate structure is established, allowing for clearer categorization. For instance, Lovable, though registered in Delaware, has strong ties to Stockholm’s startup ecosystem.

Secondly, achieving unicorn status based on valuation does not guarantee long-term success. It remains to be seen if these companies can replicate the growth and revenue milestones set by established players like Lovable. Nevertheless, investor confidence in these startups at unicorn valuations indicates a positive market sentiment.

With these considerations in mind, let’s explore the stories behind the latest European unicorns.

Aikido 

Aikido Security, a cybersecurity startup based in Belgium, recently achieved unicorn status following a successful $60 million Series B funding round. Led by DST Global, the investment values the company at $1 billion and underscores its rapid growth and market potential.

The funding will enable Aikido to strengthen its security platform, which is utilized by over 100,000 teams worldwide. With a reported five-fold increase in revenue and significant customer growth, Aikido is poised for further expansion and innovation in the cybersecurity sector.

In a blog post, the Aikido team celebrated their milestone, emphasizing Europe’s ability to compete on a global scale in the software security industry, challenging established players from Palo Alto and Tel Aviv.

Cast AI 

Cast AI, a cloud optimization company with roots in Lithuania, recently exceeded the $1 billion valuation mark following a strategic investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures (PAV). With a significant presence in Vilnius and ties to the Shinsegae Group, Cast AI is now regarded as Lithuania’s fifth unicorn, highlighting the country’s growing tech ecosystem.

The company’s latest funding round introduced OMNI Compute for AI, a solution aimed at optimizing AI workloads and addressing regional capacity constraints, positioning Cast AI for further growth and innovation in the cloud computing space.

Harmattan AI 

Harmattan AI, a French defense tech startup established in 2024, achieved a valuation of $1.4 billion following a successful $200 million Series B funding round. Led by Dassault Aviation, the investment reflects a strategic partnership in the autonomous defense aircraft sector, signaling significant growth potential for Harmattan AI.

Prior to securing this key partnership, Harmattan AI had already established collaborations with defense ministries in France and the UK, as well as Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton, indicating a strong demand for innovative defense solutions.

Osapiens 

Osapiens, a German ESG software firm founded in Mannheim in 2018, recently raised $100 million in a Series C round led by Decarbonization Partners. With a valuation exceeding $1.1 billion, Osapiens serves over 2,400 customers globally, providing sustainability reporting and data compliance solutions to mitigate supply chain risks.

The company’s continued growth and market traction underscore the increasing importance of ESG considerations for businesses worldwide, positioning Osapiens as a key player in the sustainability and compliance software market.

Preply

Preply, a language learning marketplace founded by Ukrainian entrepreneurs, recently achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.2 billion. The edtech company, with a team based in Ukraine and offices in several international locations, received a $150 million Series D funding round to fuel its expansion and AI-enhanced learning initiatives.

CEO Kirill Bigai’s vision for Preply emphasizes the role of AI in revolutionizing language education, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and global impact in the edtech sector.