What does “Unicorn” mean?
The phrase "Unicorn" refers to a start-up that has been valued at over $1 billion. When someone talks about a "Unicorn", they are referring to a highly successful and valuable start-up company in the tech industry, which is still relatively rare and unique.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
The company became a unicorn after its latest funding round.
Example
Investors are always on the lookout for the next unicorn.
Example
She co-founded a unicorn in the tech industry.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing the achievement of a start-up company
The company became a unicorn after its latest funding round.
Investors are always on the lookout for the next unicorn.
- 2Referring to the founding or involvement in a highly valued start-up
She co-founded a unicorn in the tech industry.
He joined a unicorn as a key executive.
- 3Discussing the valuation and status of a start-up
The unicorn is now worth billions of dollars.
The unicorn attracted significant investment from top venture capitalists.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "unicorn" originated in the tech industry in California, US. It was first coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013 to represent the rarity and success of such highly valued start-up companies.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The term "unicorn" is typically used within a sentence to describe a start-up company. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "unicorn" is not offensive. It is a slang term used to describe a start-up company valued at over $1 billion.
Audience for the phrase
The term "unicorn" is commonly used within the tech industry and among investors. It is understood by individuals familiar with start-up culture and the valuation of companies.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
While the term "unicorn" originated in California, US, it is now widely used in the tech industry globally. It is not specific to a particular accent or region.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- billion-dollar start-up
- highly valued start-up
- valued at over $1 billion
- tech unicorn
- billion-dollar company
Antonyms
- struggling start-up
- low-valued start-up
- valued below $1 billion
- non-unicorn
- small company
