Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a common theme among these new female-founded unicorns, with three out of the seven being pure-play AI technology startups and two others listing AI as an enabling technology. Despite the recent slowdown in the creation of new female-founded unicorns, there is hope and expectation for improvement, given the cyclical nature of startup investment and the recent contraction in venture funding, particularly for large, later-stage rounds that often come with unicorn valuations.
Key takeaways:
- The number of new female-founded unicorns has sharply decreased over the past two years, with only seven U.S. companies with female founders joining the unicorn club in 2023 and 2024.
- Artificial intelligence is a popular core or enabling technology among new, female-founded unicorns, with three out of the seven new unicorns being pure-play AI technology startups.
- Despite the recent decline, female founders and executives are playing a leading role in the AI space, as evidenced by new unicorns and more established startups.
- The slow pace of creation for new female-founded unicorns is expected to improve given the cyclical nature of startup investment and the recent weak period for venture funding.