This Week in Startups Unicorns: now and then with Aileen Lee | E1887
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Jan 27, 2024 
Aileen Lee, founder of Cowboy Ventures, is a pioneering venture capitalist known for coining the term "unicorn." In this engaging discussion, she shares her experiences overcoming gender barriers in the tech industry. Aileen dives into the evolution of the Unicorn Club, assessing how the Zero Interest Rate Policy has impacted startup valuations. Predictions about which startups might sustain their unicorn status spark intrigue, as she reflects on the recent shifts in funding dynamics and the importance of diverse entrepreneurship in today’s landscape.
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Unicorn Boom and Shift
- The number of unicorns grew 14x in 10 years, shifting from mostly consumer to enterprise companies.
- Enterprise companies demonstrated higher capital efficiency during this period.
Zerp Era Mistakes
- During the low-interest-rate period, founders prioritized valuation over guidance, leading to inflated valuations.
- Many believed their success was due to skill, overlooking the favorable market conditions.
Consumerization of Enterprise
- The increased availability of modern technology led to the modernization of many industries.
- This democratized software development and led to a wider range of unicorn sectors.