CB Insights - what happened to the unicorns?

Hi there, 

Are unicorns a dying breed? 

Now that we’re almost halfway through 2022, we took a look at the data. 

The answer: no, not really. 

While startups valued at $1B+ are being born at a slower rate than last year, they’re still popping out at a faster clip than any other time before 2021. 

Of course, this may just be the beginning of a deeper downturn and thinning of the unicorn herd.

Insurtech 50

Meet the winners of our first-ever Insurtech 50 awards.

We reviewed 2,000+ companies to pick 2022’s most promising insurtechs that are improving the insurance experience. 

This year’s cohort represents 10 different countries across the B2B and B2C segments. Get the list here.

Have we got a show for you
 

Facebook’s name change to Meta sent perplexed corporations scrambling to figure out the opportunities and risks.

While the metaverse’s shape is far from certain, what are the opportunities businesses should be paying attention to?

In this report, we look at:

• Retail’s e-commerce opportunity in virtual markets 
• How the line between video games and the metaverse has begun to blur
• “Metaverse insurance” and the products insurers may develop, like digital asset coverage
• The new cyber threats to individuals and businesses that are on the horizon
• And more

See the 13 big industries the rise of virtual worlds could disrupt here.

What time is it? Time for you to get a wearable

Wearables are showing up in everything, from the metaverse to sleep to fitness. 

Even pet trackers and smart jewelry are gaining momentum.

Check out our market map of the early-stage wearable companies delivering more personalized experiences to consumers here.

Fresh for everyone
 

Kroger is prepping for an omnichannel future, where customers shop in-store and online and have a variety of fulfillment and delivery options.

The $37B grocery giant has been investing heavily in optimizing its supply chain, including a focus on inventory management. 

Clients can see how it's tackling this challenge through investments and partnerships with vendors in this brief.

Quartz. Martin Siele (@gengetonedon) discusses VC funding to Africa and mentions CB Insights research.
 

Blockworks. Bessie Liu (@_bessieliu) covers crypto layoffs and cites CB Insights data. 

Crain’s Detroit Business. Nick Manes (@nickrmanes) reports on how founders and investors in Detroit are responding to the market cooldown using CB Insights data.

P.S. Our live event on corporate venture is just 2 weeks away. Reserve your spot here.

Market map. Tech solutions are helping retailers and brands — like Kroger and McDonald's — recruit, train, and retain their hourly employees.

High five. Global digital lending startups saw 150+ deals for the fifth straight quarter in Q1'22. 

Unbundling a shipping giant. A host of companies are emerging to help smooth shipping, delivery, and supply chain operations.

PayPal strategy. From crypto to banking to e-commerce, PayPal is expanding its offerings beyond payment acceptance.