The Full List of 112 Machine Learning Unicorn Startups (2026)

1. OpenAI

AI Generative AI ML NLP SaaS

OpenAI develops advanced artificial intelligence models through its work as a research and deployment company. They are the creators of ChatGPT, the popular conversational AI that brought generative AI into the mainstream.

2. Anthropic

AI Generative AI Information Technology ML

Anthropic builds large-scale AI systems with a core focus on safety and making them steerable. They are best known for Claude, a family of conversational AI models designed to be helpful, harmless, and honest.

3. Databricks

Analytics AI Information Technology ML

Databricks builds a unified data and AI platform that brings together data engineering, analytics, and machine learning. They are known for pioneering the data lakehouse architecture, which gives teams a single, open foundation for all their data workloads and AI models.

4. xAI

AI Generative AI Information Technology ML

xAI develops artificial intelligence solutions designed to enhance reasoning and complex problem-solving. Their conversational AI, Grok, is integrated with the X platform to provide users with real-time information and context.

5. Cruise

AI Automotive Autonomous Vehicles ML Transportation

Cruise develops all-electric, self-driving vehicles designed to navigate complex urban environments. They are creating a ride-hailing service that offers a safer and more accessible transportation option for cities.

6. Anysphere

AI Developer Tools Generative AI ML Software Engineering

Anysphere develops AI solutions to automate writing code. The applied research lab created Cursor, an AI-first code editor.

7. Scale AI

AI Data Collection and Labeling Generative AI Image Recognition ML

Scale AI builds a data-centric platform that provides high-quality data for training and validating AI models. They specialize in generating and annotating the massive datasets required for cutting-edge applications, from large language models to self-driving cars.

8. Perplexity

AI Chatbot ML NLP Search Engine

Perplexity's AI-powered answer engine provides accurate, real-time responses to user queries. The platform is designed to synthesize information and cite its sources, offering a conversational alternative to traditional search engines.

9. Mistral AI

AI Generative AI ML NLP Open Source

Mistral AI builds open-source and commercial large language models designed for a wide range of applications. Their platform offers powerful AI services and APIs that help enterprises integrate generative AI capabilities.

10. Superhuman (formerly Grammarly)

AI Copywriting Generative AI ML Virtual Assistant

They offer an AI-powered platform designed to help users manage their email, collaborate on tasks, and improve their writing. The platform combines a famously fast email client with powerful AI that provides real-time writing suggestions.