Silicon Valley Legends
Unicorns of the Last Decade
Ed-tech Innovators
100

Steve Jobs famously returned to this company in 1997, eventually launching the iPhone.

Apple

100

This AI research company developed GPT-series models and multimodal agents

Open AI

100

This student-favorite platform began as digital flashcards and now includes AI study tools and practice tests.

Quizlet

200

Jesse Eisenberg played the CEO of this company in the Social Network

Facebook (META)

200

Designers worldwide use this collaborative tool whose acquisition by Adobe was attempted in 2022.

Figma

200

This language app was founded by CMU Alums

Duolingo

300

Co-founded by Gordon Moore, this company pioneered the microprocessor

Intel

300

This aerospace company pioneered reusable rockets like the Falcon 9.

SpaceX

300

Once known for homework help and textbook rentals, this edtech company became controversial after launching an AI study assistant called “CheggMate.”

Chegg

400

Before streaming, this company mailed DVDs to customers in red envelopes.

Netflix

400

This startup lets people rent living space.  Commonly used on vacations

Airbnb

400

Started by a former hedge fund analyst tutoring his cousin, this platform now provides free video lessons to students worldwide.

Khan Academy

500

Founded on April Fools in 1976

Apple

500

This all-in-one workspace app combines notes, databases, and project management into customizable pages.

Notion

500

Founded by Stanford professors, this massive open online course platform popularized the concept of “MOOCs.”

Coursera