Latest news with #unicorn
Bloomberg
6 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Startup Too Good To Go Weighs €300 Million Funding Round
Too Good To Go, which operates an app that allows users to buy near-expired food at a discount, is considering raising €200 million ($231 million) to €300 million in a new funding round to support its business expansion, people familiar with the matter said. The Copenhagen-based company is working with advisers on the potential fundraising and has reached out to prospective investors, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private. The new round could propel Too Good To Go's valuation to more than $1 billion, making the startup a so-called unicorn, the people said.
Bloomberg
12 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Silicon Valley ' s ‘ Tiny Team ' Era is Here
In the era of startup ' blitzscaling,' which lasted roughly from Facebook's IPO in 2012 until WeWork's bankruptcy filing in 2023, market capitalization and total capital raised were prized metrics. The ultimate milestone was reaching 'unicorn status' — a $1 billion valuation that was often accompanied by rapid hiring. These days, bragging rights are going to entrepreneurs who keep headcount the lowest.
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
4 Timing Secrets That Fueled Billion-Dollar Venture Growth
Time to Takeoff: Get It Right! getty Most unicorn founders weren't first — they just mastered timing. These timing secrets fueled unicorn growth by helping entrepreneurs spot the right emerging trends early, act before takeoff, and use that narrow window to build the right strategy and skills to lead the industry. That's how Sam Walton beat Kmart, Jeff Bezos won over Borders, and Mark Zuckerberg overtook MySpace — without needing early venture capital and often beating those who had more capital. Here are 4 key timing secrets of Founder-CEOs who achieved rapid growth and market dominance. Just like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Mistral, unicorns are best launched when the industry is just emerging. The key to building a unicorn is entering the right emerging trend — for you — at the right time. This is after the industry starts and before it takes off and this time period has ranged from about 3 to 11 years ( • After the start because major trends are started by external factors – not by an entrepreneur. These factors can include disruptive technologies, new laws, and economic changes. • Before takeoff because it is difficult even for existing giants to catch up, as is demonstrated by Sears, Wards and the countless other giants crushed by upstart billion-dollar entrepreneurs. Nearly every billion-dollar entrepreneur took advantage of an emerging trend, including: • Big-box stores: Sam Walton (Walmart) and Dick Schulze (Best Buy). • Personal computers: Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Michael Dell (Dell) • Linking PCs: Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner (Cisco) • Internet 1.0: Jeff Bezos ( and Page and Brin (Google) • Internet 2.0: Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook/ Meta) • Internet 3.0: Travis Kalanick (Uber) and Brian Chesky (Airbnb). What can you do? Emerging trends often take 3 to 11 years to take off – but your window to enter is at the beginning, not after takeoff. The earlier you start, the more time you'll have to refine your strategy and build dominance. When you enter the trend is important. The winners are rarely first movers. They're usually first dominators. One of the key reasons why only about 11% of first movers led their industry ( is that first-to-market or even a product-market fit is often not enough. The winners are those who dominate, not those who rush. The ultimate winners are usually smart followers. In artificial intelligence, IBM was the first, but many other companies, including ChatGPT, seem to be leading. Examples of smart followers included Sam Walton in the big-box trend, Bill Gates in the personal computer trend, Steve Jobs in the iPod and iPhone trends, and Brian Chesky in the online trend ( Alex Karp noted that some in Europe are waiting for the right moment to get in on AI, and that they will rue their delay. His point – get in now or miss a major emerging trend. What can you do? If you are the first mover, keep pivoting to find the right strategy (see #3). If you are the smart mover, find the neglected segment that can be targeted by the emerging trend. Finding the right strategy is key because each emerging trend is different. Product-market fit gets you started. But domination requires the right combination of product, market, strategic group, sales driver, and unicorn-launch skills: • Walmart: Found his niche in rural locations by pivoting from small stores. • Gates: Found his edge with a strategic alliance with IBM by pivoting from writing programs. • Dell: Dominated by selling direct-to-consumer. • Bezos: Launched with books to dominate. • Chesky: Focused on helping landlords find guests and pivoted from guests. What can you do? Most unicorns didn't guess their way into dominance — they learned, pivoted, and refined until they found the dominant strategy. You may have to do so also. So be flexible to pivot and test to find the right strategy – this takes time. Unicorn-entrepreneurs rely on skills to grow from idea to unicorn. They do not rely on VCs or their hired CEOs. They learn both technical skills (or partner with someone who has them) and unicorn-launch skills. Gaston Taratuta didn't jump in blindly – he learned the skills to enter the emerging Internet trend by joining Universo Online in Brazil and then scaled Aleph into a billion-dollar company ( What can you do? Identify the unicorn-launch skills you lack. Then learn, test, and practice them before the trend takes off. ( MY TAKE: Timing isn't about being first. It's about being ready — with the right skills, strategy, and edge — before the trend takes off. Jump in when the trend begins, then use the runway to master your skills, evaluate your strategy, and position yourself to dominate when the trend takes off. Or better yet – be the leader who makes the trend take off. Learn how the top 125 billion-dollar entrepreneurs did it — often without VC. Read my other blogs on Forbes.
Globe and Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
AI Professionals University Announces Series B Funding Round at $50 Million Valuation, Targets Elite Investors in AI Sector
Orlando, FL - 2nd Jun, 2025 - AI Professionals University (AIPU), also known as AI Pro University, the world's fastest-growing AI education platform, is proud to announce the launch of its Series B funding round. The company is seeking to raise between $10 to $15 million at a $50 million valuation and is extending invitations exclusively to investors who have a proven track record of backing unicorn AI companies. Founded in 2024 by internet marketing and technology visionary Samuel Stewart Blake, AI Professionals University has become a force in the artificial intelligence education space, serving thousands of students with a cutting-edge curriculum, practical certifications, and an ever-evolving library of automation tools. In just over a year, AIPU has scaled rapidly, completing its first round of funding from private investors and now accelerating toward becoming a dominant player in AI training and certification. "This second round is not about capital alone — it's about aligning with visionaries who understand the future of AI and education," said founder and CEO Samuel Stewart Blake. "We're inviting partners who have successfully scaled unicorns in the AI sector because we believe AI education is the next great transformation in human productivity." The Vision Behind AI Professionals University AI Professionals University was built on the belief that artificial intelligence should be accessible to everyone — not just software engineers or Silicon Valley insiders. In 2025, the company surpassed 5,000 enrolled students, all served by a single, powerful certification program focused on AI and ChatGPT mastery, containing over 150 learning modules. AIPU's success rate stands at over 90%, with the vast majority of students completing the program and going on to apply their AI skills in their careers or businesses. The company's mission is to become the world's go-to destination for AI certification and ChatGPT certification — offering powerful education in a format that's fast, clear, and actionable. Series B Goals and Investor Outreach With the Series B raise now open, AI Professionals University is targeting elite investors. The team has contacted prestigious venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Andy Dunn of Red Swan Ventures and is in the process of scheduling meetings, among many other potential investor conversations. While AIPU has been approached by several interested parties, the company is taking a deliberate and selective approach to ensure alignment with its long-term vision. Out of the $10–$15 million being raised, $1 million will be reinvested directly into expanding the educational program, including new modules, interactive features, and certification tracks. An additional $2 million is earmarked for talent acquisition, with a goal to build a team of 50 employees, including at least 20 AI specialists dedicated to researching new tools and creating updated training for the AIPU student community. "We're not just scaling a platform — we're building an AI training ecosystem," said Blake. "This funding allows us to continue innovating while ensuring our students always get the most up-to-date and useful education possible." Backing from Internet Marketing Elite AIPU's growth has been supercharged by the involvement of one of the most respected investors in the internet marketing world. Though currently unnamed, this investor has provided capital and strategic insight, helping the company scale its reach, advertising effectiveness, and overall market presence. "In under 18 months, AI Professionals University has built something unique — it's not just another course platform, it's a full-stack AI education experience," said the investor. "There's massive potential for global impact here." Preparing for Global Reach AI Pro University is now planning its global expansion. The Series B funds will support the translation of the certification into multiple languages, as well as the development of its flagship mobile app, expected to launch on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by Q4 2025. "We're building the Coursera of AI," Blake said. "Except instead of six-month degrees, we give you results in a week." Results and Momentum In 2024 and 2025 combined, AIPU has: Gained 5,000+ enrolled students Released one high-impact ChatGPT certification program with 150+ modules Achieved a 90%+ success rate among students Built a thriving affiliate and educator community Maintained over 70% monthly member retention Their training covers ChatGPT mastery, AI automation agents, business tools, lead generation, ad copywriting, customer service AI, and more. With low entry barriers and highly practical content, AI Professionals University has quickly become the preferred choice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to adapt to the AI revolution. Staying Private and Purpose-Driven AI Professionals University is committed to remaining a private company. "We believe in maintaining autonomy so we can make decisions that serve our students — not shareholders," said Blake. "Going public isn't part of our roadmap. Our mission comes first." The long-term vision is to certify over 1 million students by 2027, making AIPU the global leader in hands-on AI certification and ChatGPT training. Join the Movement The Series B round is more than a fundraising initiative — it's an invitation to help shape the future of education. AI Pro University is calling on proven AI investors to partner in building a world where AI tools are not feared — they're mastered and used to create abundance. Interested investors with AI unicorn experience can contact kenneth@ About AI Professionals University Founded in 2024 by Samuel Stewart Blake, AI Professionals University (AIPU) — also known as AI Pro University — is the world's fastest-growing AI certification platform. With a mission to make AI accessible, the company offers expert-led training, powerful tools, and real-world certifications. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, AIPU currently serves over 5,000 students with one of the most comprehensive ChatGPT and AI certification programs on the market. Media Contact Company Name: AI Professionals University Contact Person: kenneth Gomez Email: Send Email Phone: +1 888-464-5168 Address: 5036 Dr Phillips Blvd, Unit #5224 City: Orlando State: FL 32819 Country: United States Website:
Finextra
02-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
UK fintech Tide eyes unicorn status
Tide, the UK-based business banking fintech, is reportedly in talks about a funding deal that would make it the UK's next unicorn. 1 This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community. According to Sky News, Tide is in advanced talks with Apis Partners, a UK-based fintech investor, about a new funding deal that would see its valuation rise above $1bn. Apis has previously invested in UK fintechs such as digital wealth manager Moneybox and digital payments infrastructure provider Thunes, as well as a number of investments in India which is Tide's biggest market besides the UK. The fintech has more than 650,000 SME customers in both India and the UK.
