Remember when we used to hear about billion-dollar companies, and they seemed like mythical creatures, rare and elusive? Well, in the world of startups, those mythical creatures are now a reality – they're called unicorns.

A unicorn startup is a privately held company valued at over a billion dollars. It’s a magical term that captures the rarity and extraordinary growth of these companies.   

But why “unicorn”? The term was coined by Aileen Lee, a venture capitalist, in 2013. She drew a parallel between these rare, billion-dollar startups and the mythical creatures – unicorns – known for their rarity and extraordinary powers.   

What makes these startups so special? It’s a combination of factors:

• Innovative Ideas: Unicorn startups often disrupt industries with groundbreaking ideas and technologies.   
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• Rapid Growth: They scale rapidly, attracting significant investments and expanding their user base at a breakneck pace.   
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• Strong Leadership: Visionary founders and strong leadership teams drive these companies to success.   
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• Attractive Funding: They secure substantial funding from venture capitalists and other investors who believe in their potential.   

In recent years, India has emerged as a global hub for unicorn startups. According to reports, the country could have over 150 high-value startups by 2025. Companies like Zomato, Paytm, and Nykaa have achieved unicorn status, putting India on the global startup map.