Hustler Words – January 2026 has heralded an extraordinary surge in Europe’s technology landscape, witnessing the birth of five new "unicorn" startups. From the innovative hubs of Belgium to the resilient entrepreneurial spirit of Ukraine, these burgeoning tech companies have successfully secured significant funding rounds, pushing their valuations beyond the coveted $1 billion mark. This rapid ascent signals robust investor confidence and a dynamic period for European innovation.
Before delving into the specifics of these newly minted giants, it’s crucial to acknowledge two important considerations. Firstly, our definition of "European" extends beyond mere incorporation locale. It encompasses startups deeply rooted in the continent, either through their foundational origins or a substantial portion of their operational teams, even if their legal registration might be in places like Delaware. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the current reality of cross-border corporate structures, exemplified by a company like Lovable, which, despite its Delaware incorporation, is inextricably linked to Stockholm’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Secondly, while a billion-dollar valuation is a powerful indicator of investor appetite, it does not inherently guarantee long-term commercial triumph. It remains premature to assess whether all these firms will achieve the sustained market penetration and revenue growth demonstrated by a company like Lovable, which recently surpassed $300 million in annual recurring revenue. Nevertheless, in the prevailing economic climate, the willingness of venture capitalists to commit capital at such elevated valuations speaks volumes about where strategic investment opportunities are perceived to lie.
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With these caveats addressed, let’s explore the companies making headlines:
Aikido Security: Belgium’s Cybersecurity Powerhouse
Leading the charge is Belgium’s Aikido Security, a cybersecurity innovator that achieved unicorn status following a $60 million Series B funding round. This pivotal investment, valuing the company at $1 billion, was spearheaded by DST Global, with significant contributions from PSG Equity, Singular, and Notion Capital. Aikido’s platform is designed to streamline and unify security protocols across the entire software development lifecycle, a solution already trusted by over 100,000 teams globally. The company proudly reported a five-fold increase in revenue and nearly triple customer growth over the past year. In a compelling statement, Aikido highlighted its achievement as a testament to Europe’s capability to cultivate world-class software security enterprises, challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses in Palo Alto and Tel Aviv.
Cast AI: Lithuanian Roots, Global Cloud Optimization
Next on the list is Cast AI, a cloud optimization firm with its headquarters in Florida, yet deeply rooted in Lithuania, boasting a significant operational presence in Vilnius. This strong European connection has led many to recognize it as Lithuania’s fifth unicorn. Cast AI’s valuation now comfortably exceeds $1 billion, propelled by a strategic investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures (PAV), the corporate venture arm of the Korean conglomerate Shinsegae Group. This latest capital injection follows a substantial $108 million Series C round in April 2025, which had already positioned the company on the cusp of unicorn territory. Coinciding with its funding announcement, Cast AI also unveiled OMNI Compute for AI, an innovative solution designed to optimize AI workload deployment on fewer GPUs and alleviate regional capacity constraints, promising enhanced efficiency for AI-driven operations.
Harmattan AI: France’s Rapid Rise in Defense Tech
Emerging with remarkable speed, French defense technology company Harmattan AI, founded only in 2024, has rapidly achieved a valuation of $1.4 billion. This impressive figure stems from its recent $200 million Series B funding round, notably led by Dassault Aviation, the renowned manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets. This investment is not merely financial but also signifies a strategic partnership with the aerospace giant. Prior to securing this pivotal collaboration, Harmattan AI had already forged significant agreements with the French and British ministries of defense, alongside Ukrainian drone producer Skyeton, reflecting a burgeoning global demand for advanced autonomous defense aircraft solutions.
Osapiens: Germany’s ESG Software Leader
Germany’s Osapiens, a prominent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) software firm, secured a $100 million Series C funding round, spearheaded by Decarbonization Partners – a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek. This investment has propelled Osapiens’ valuation beyond $1.1 billion. Established in Mannheim in 2018, Osapiens has swiftly grown its global footprint, now serving over 2,400 clients. These include major multinational corporations that rely on its sophisticated platforms and tools for critical functions such as sustainability reporting, ensuring data compliance, and effectively mitigating supply chain risks in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Preply: Ukraine’s Resilient Edtech Unicorn
Finally, the 14-year-old language learning marketplace Preply has achieved unicorn status, now valued at $1.2 billion. This significant milestone for the edtech company also stands as a powerful symbol of Ukrainian resilience. Although founded in the United States, Preply’s origins are deeply Ukrainian, with its founders and a substantial team of 150 employees based in their home country, demonstrating unwavering support amidst challenging times. CEO Kirill Bigai, a staunch advocate for AI-enhanced learning, confirmed that the proceeds from the $150 million Series D round will be strategically allocated to recruit additional AI talent across its expanding network of four global offices, now located in Barcelona, London, New York, and Kyiv.
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