unicorn price 2019

Unicorn Price 2019: Your Complete Guide

By David WilliamsNovember 21, 2025

The term "unicorn" in the business context doesn't refer to a mythical creature but rather startups with a valuation of over $1 billion. As we step into 2019, let's delve into the unicorn landscape, exploring the prices and trends that shaped it last year.

Before we dive into the figures, it's essential to understand that a unicorn's valuation isn't a pristine indicator of its health or future prospects. It primarily reflects market conditions and investor sentiment at a specific point in time.

Unicorn Valuations in 2019

2019 was a banner year for unicorns, with a total of 228 new unicorns globally. According to CB Insights, the average post-money valuation of a unicorn in 2019 was around $3.3 billion, a significant increase from the previous year.

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However, this average valuation can vary widely depending on the sector, location, and stage of the startup's development.

Sector-specific Valuations

Healthcare startups led the pack with an average unicorn valuation of approximately $4.8 billion. This was followed by fintech (around $3.8 billion) and consumer goods (about $3.5 billion).

a pink and white unicorn figurine sitting on top of a table next to magazines

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On the other end of the spectrum, transportation and logistics startups had an average unicorn valuation of around $2.2 billion, reflecting the competitive and capital-intensive nature of these businesses.

Geographical Disparities

Geographically, unicorns in the United States had the highest average valuation at around $4.9 billion. Asia came in second, with an average valuation of approximately $2.3 billion, demonstrating the significant growth potential in the region.

Europe, despite having a substantial startup ecosystem, had a lower average unicorn valuation of around $2.1 billion, highlighting the regional disparities in venture capital funding.

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a unicorn standing in front of a waterfall with a rainbow on it's side

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a pink unicorn toy in a package with its head on top of the pony's tail

Unicorn Exits and IPOs in 2019

2019 also saw a record number of unicorn exits, with 37 IPOs and 97 acquisitions. Uber and Lyft, two of the most well-known unicorns, went public with valuations of $82 billion and $24.3 billion respectively, although their market capitalizations have fluctuated since their listings.

The number of unicorn IPOs in 2019 dwarfed the previous high of 17 in 2018, indicating stronger public market appetite for high-growth startups.

Impact on Startups and Investors

The increasing number of unicorns and their higher valuations have significant implications for both startups and investors. For startups, higher valuations mean more capital to fuel growth, but also increased pressures to deliver results that justify their valuations.

For investors, the rising number of unicorns presents new exit opportunities, but also raises concerns about potential overvaluation and the sustainability of high-growth rates.

As we move into 2020, it will be fascinating to see how the unicorn landscape continues to evolve, shaped by factors such as geopolitical instability, shifting public market sentiment, and technological disruptions.