Europe’s startup scene is booming with five new unicorns in 2026, including cybersecurity standout Aikido Security, challenging global tech leaders.
January 2026 has been nothing short of exciting for tech enthusiasts like me. It’s not every day you see five fresh European unicorns emerge in one month, spanning from Belgium to Ukraine. But before diving into the fanfare, let’s take a step back and unpack what this really means—and why it matters.
First off, the term “European unicorn” can be a bit misleading these days. Many of these startups, like Lovable, are incorporated in places like Delaware but have deep roots in Europe. This is a reality we’ll keep seeing until the EU sorts out its corporate structure mess. For now, let’s roll with it.
Now, onto the stars of the show: Aikido Security and Cast AI.
Aikido Security: Cybersecurity's New Kid on the Block
Aikido, based in Belgium, hit unicorn status with a $60 million Series B round, valuing them at $1 billion. The funding was led by DST Global, with big names like PSG Equity and Singular also chipping in. Their platform is all about unifying security across the software lifecycle—a mouthful, I know, but trust me when I say it’s a big deal.
What’s impressive? They’re already used by over 100,000 teams globally. And let’s not forget their growth: five times revenue and nearly triple the customers in just a year. That’s rocket fuel. But what really gets me excited is that they’re challenging the dominance of Palo Alto and Tel Aviv in cybersecurity. Europe doesn’t always get to brag about producing world-class security companies, so this feels like a win.
Cast AI: Cloud Optimization with a Lithuanian Twist
Cast AI, while headquartered in Florida, has strong Lithuanian roots and a major office in Vilnius. Their valuation now exceeds $1 billion thanks to a strategic investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures. They’re being hailed as Lithuania’s fifth unicorn, which is no small feat.
But here’s where I get a little skeptical. Why are they considered Lithuania’s unicorn when they’re not fully based there? It feels like stretching the definition for the sake of good PR. That said, their success does highlight an important trend: startups with European roots are thriving, even if they’re incorporated elsewhere to avoid regulatory headaches.
What Does This Mean for Us?
For developers and businesses, these companies are worth keeping an eye on. Aikido’s focus on software security is timely, given how critical it’s become in our digital-first world. Cast AI’s cloud optimization could be a game-changer for anyone looking to cut costs or improve efficiency.
But let’s not get carried away with the hype just yet. Valuation doesn’t always equal success. We’ve seen plenty of startups with sky-high valuations that later fizzle out. What matters is whether these companies can sustain their growth and deliver real value over the long haul.
The Bigger Picture
Europe’s startup scene has historically struggled to produce giants like Silicon Valley’s, but this latest wave of unicorns feels different. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the ideas and the execution. Aikido and Cast AI are proving that European founders can build world-class companies that compete on a global stage.
Still, I’m cautious. We’ve seen these waves before, and not all of them have stuck. Let’s see how these companies fare in the next couple of years. If they can keep growing and innovating, we might just be witnessing the start of something special.
Read the full article at https://mangrv.com/2026/02/01/meet-the-new-european-unicorns-of-2026