January 2026 just minted five fresh European unicorns, signaling renewed investor confidence in the region's startup ecosystem. From Aikido Security in Belgium to Preply in Ukraine, these companies raised funding at valuations exceeding $1 billion, spanning cybersecurity, cloud optimization, defense tech, ESG compliance, and edtech. The wave marks a significant moment for European tech, proving the continent can compete with Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv heavyweights in attracting capital and building global-scale companies.
Europe's startup ecosystem just got a major validation. January 2026 delivered five new unicorns spanning Belgium to Ukraine, proving that investor appetite for European tech remains strong despite broader market volatility.
The wave started with Aikido Security, a Belgium-based cybersecurity startup that hit unicorn status with its $60 million Series B led by DST Global. The company's platform unifies security across the entire software lifecycle and is already used by more than 100,000 teams globally. Even more impressive: Aikido reported five-times revenue growth and nearly three-times customer growth over the last year, according to its press release.
"In an industry dominated by Palo Alto and Tel Aviv heavyweights, Aikido shows that Europe can build a world-class software security company and win globally," the company said in a blog post celebrating the milestone. PSG Equity, Singular, and Notion Capital joined the round.
Cloud optimization company Cast AI became Lithuania's fifth unicorn following a strategic investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures, the U.S.-based corporate venture arm of Korean conglomerate Shinsegae Group. Though headquartered in Florida, Cast AI maintains deep Lithuanian roots with a major office in Vilnius. The company had already raised in April 2025, bringing it close to unicorn territory before crossing the threshold.
