The European tech landscape has kicked off 2026 with a surge of high-value activity, minting five new unicorns in January alone. While these milestones reflect a “technology renaissance” across the continent—from Belgium to Ukraine—the sectors in which these companies operate—cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, defense tech, and ESG—closely mirror the strategic investment pillars currently driving the MENA region’s digital transformation. As Middle Eastern sovereigns and enterprises accelerate their own “sovereign tech” initiatives, these European breakthroughs offer both partnership opportunities and a roadmap for the region’s expanding ecosystem.
New European Unicorns Of January 2026
The following companies have reached or exceeded the $1 billion valuation threshold this month:
- Harmattan AI: A French defense tech firm valued at $1.4 billion following a $200 million Series B.
- Preply: A Ukrainian-founded language learning marketplace now valued at $1.2 billion after a $150 million Series D.
- osapiens: A German ESG and sustainability software provider valued at $1.1 billion after a $100 million Series C.
- Aikido Security: A Belgian cybersecurity startup that reached a $1 billion valuation with its $60 million Series B.
- Cast AI: A cloud and AI infrastructure company with Lithuanian roots now valued at over $1 billion.
Strategic Relevance To The MENA Ecosystem
The emergence of these specific unicorns highlights trends that are increasingly central to the MENA tech narrative. Harmattan AI’s rapid ascent aligns with the “tech sovereignty” goals of Gulf nations investing heavily in autonomous defense systems. Similarly, the $3 billion “Fund of Funds” expansion recently announced in Qatar mirrors the global appetite for the AI and cybersecurity infrastructure provided by firms like Cast AI and Aikido Security.
For MENA-based VCs and founders, the success of osapiens underscores the growing commercial necessity of ESG compliance tools as regional markets align with international transparency standards. Furthermore, Preply’s growth demonstrates the enduring value of AI-enhanced educational tools in markets focused on rapid workforce upskilling and global integration.
Source: TechCrunch
