Unicorn is a term used for start-ups that has gained valuation of $1 billion (Rs 6,600 crore), a benchmark figure for these firms.
Around 130 global start-ups have become unicorns, including from India such as Flipkart, Snapdeal and Ola, Paytm, Zomato and Inmobi. The 131 firms have cumulatively valued at $485 billion.
"The exact valuations of the companies are hard to pin down because the start-ups are private and are not required to disclose their finances, but CB Insights determined that they might be on a path toward a $1 billion value through an algorithm that analysed factors including amount of financing raised, employee turnover and social media mentions," the New York Times article said.