1. Global Venture Funding: Global venture funding reached a record $621 billion in 2021, more than double the 2020 figure of $294 billion. Q4 2021 alone saw an all-time high of $176 billion in funding.
2. Unicorn Count: The global unicorn count hit 959 in 2021, up 69% from 2020, with 517 new unicorns. There are now 44 startups with decacorn ($10 billion+) valuations.
3. Mega-Rounds: There were 1,556 mega-rounds (deals worth $100 million or more) in 2021, up 147% from the previous year. These deals accounted for 59% of total funding dollars.
4. US Venture Funding: US venture funding reached a record high of $311 billion in 2021, accounting for half of the global total. The US also saw a record number of yearly deals at 12,281, with early-stage deals being a key driver.
5. Asia’s Deal Share: Asia became the top region for global deals in 2021, with a 36% deal share, surpassing the US deal count for the first time in seven years. Asia saw a record $176 billion in funding, growing 89% year-over-year (YoY).
6. Global Exits: The number of global mergers and acquisitions (M&As) crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time in 2021, increasing 58% from 2020. M&As have risen for six straight quarters, reaching a record high of 2,938 in Q4 2021.
7. SPAC Exits: The median valuation for SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) exits jumped to $1.6 billion in 2021, more than double the median IPO valuation of $547 million. The number of completed SPACs grew by 247% in 2021.
8. Fintech Funding: Fintech startups raised $132 billion in funding in 2021, accounting for 21% of all venture dollars. This is a 169% increase from 2020’s $49 billion. Fintech saw the highest proportion of early-stage deals among industries.
9. Top Investors: Tiger Global Management was the top investor of 2021, backing 328 companies. Other top investors included SOSV, Sequoia Capital China, and Andreessen Horowitz.
10. Silicon Valley Dominance: Silicon Valley startups raised $105 billion in funding in 2021, doubling the 2020 total of $52 billion. New York followed with $55 billion, and Boston with $32 billion.