More Than 10 European Startups Reach Unicorn Status This Year

Europe’s funding ecosystem is set for a revival this fall, which could lead to the rise of numerous new unicorns; indeed, several are already on the horizon. Although mega-rounds have become less common since 2021, the first half of 2025 has seen 12 European startups secure funding at valuations surpassing $1 billion.

While past performance cannot predict future outcomes, this development creates a hopeful outlook for the rest of the year. It emphasizes the sectors attracting investor interest, particularly in biotech, defense tech, and, as expected, AI.

Here are the most recent European unicorns of 2025:

July 2025

Lovable

The Swedish AI company Lovable swiftly reached unicorn status. In July, merely eight months after its launch, it acquired $200 million in Series A funding led by Accel, achieving a valuation of $1.8 billion. Though registered in Delaware, Lovable Labs Inc. mainly operates out of Stockholm, where most job opportunities are posted.

Fuse Energy

British renewable energy startup Fuse Energy, launched in 2022 by two former Revolut executives, reportedly completed a funding round in July, elevating its valuation to over $1 billion, as reported by The Times.

June 2025

Mubi

The film streaming platform Mubi secured $100 million in June, led by Sequoia Capital, pushing its valuation to $1 billion and marking its transition into unicorn status. Initially launched in 2007 as a curated service, Mubi has pivoted towards film production and distribution.

Zama

The French company Zama raised $57 million in Series B funding, increasing its valuation past $1 billion. Zama focuses on homomorphic encryption, applying cryptographic methods to protect data.

Isar Aerospace

The German space startup Isar Aerospace achieved unicorn status in June after obtaining a €150 million (approximately $173 million) convertible bond from Eldridge Industries. Originating from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the company has now contributed to the birth of 22 unicorns.

May 2025

Tekever

Portugal’s drone firm Tekever announced a funding round in May, confirming its valuation at over £1 billion, a figure that had previously remained undisclosed.

Backed by Ventura Capital, Baillie Gifford, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), Iberis Capital, and Crescent Cove, the funds will support a £400 million investment initiative aimed at U.K. development over the next five years.

Quantum Systems

The German dual-use startup Quantum Systems reached unicorn status in May 2025 after securing €160 million in Series C funding (approximately $172 million) for enhancing its global footprint, production capabilities, and advancements in autonomous drone technology, software, and AI.

This funding round was spearheaded by Balderton Capital, with participation from Hensoldt, Airbus Defense and Space, Bullhound Capital, LP&E AG, as well as existing investors like HV Capital, Project A, Peter Thiel, DTCP, Omnes Capital, Airbus Ventures, Porsche SE, and Notion.

Parloa

The German startup Parloa, specializing in conversational AI for customer support, raised $120 million in Series C funding in May 2025, achieving a $1 billion valuation nearly a year after its previous $66 million Series B and two years post the $21 million Series A. The Series C round was led by Durable Capital Partners, Altimeter Capital, and General Catalyst.

March 2025

Isomorphic Labs

Isomorphic Labs, a London-based AI-driven drug discovery platform that spun off from Google’s DeepMind in 2021, raised external funding for the first time in March 2025, securing $600 million in a round led by Thrive Capital, with investments from GV and Alphabet. The valuation is not publicly disclosed, but this substantial funding round solidifies its position as a unicorn.

February 2025

Tines

Dublin-based Tines, focusing on AI-driven workflows, attained unicorn status in February 2025 after raising $125 million in Series C funding from both new and returning investors, leading to a valuation of $1.125 billion.

Originally centered on streamlining security workflows, this Irish startup has broadened its applications across various technology sectors, including infrastructure, engineering, and product management. Following the Series C funding, the company reported executing over a billion automated actions weekly for its clients.

January 2025

Verdiva Bio

Just under a year since its founding, London-based biotech Verdiva Bio secured a remarkable $410 million in Series A funding in January 2025, marking its first major funding round and attaining unicorn status. The company is developing an oral GLP-1 drug similar to Ozempic and Wegovy.

Neko Health

Co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek, the preventative health enterprise Neko Health raised $260 million in Series B funding, hitting a valuation of $1.8 billion in January 2025. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with additional backing from General Catalyst, O.G. Venture Partners, Rosello, Lakestar, and Atomico.

Neko Health provides comprehensive body scans aimed at improving health through early diagnosis. According to CEO and co-founder Hjalmar Nilsonne, this funding will enable the company to expand internationally beyond Stockholm and London, and enhance focus on research and development.