Rapyd has been named to the Hurun UK Unicorns 2026 list, joining 80 UK-based private companies valued at US$1 billion or more. The Hurun Research Institute published the index in 2026, covering companies founded in the 2000s that have not yet completed public listings. The inclusion marks independent validation of Rapyd‘s standing within the UK’s private technology and fintech ecosystem.

  • 2026 UK Unicorn Index Size: 80 companies with combined value of £242.4 billion (47% increase year-over-year)
  • UK Global Ranking: Third by number of unicorns, behind the United States and China
  • Fintech Sector Dominance: 27 fintech unicorns valued at £121.8 billion (53% of total index value)
  • Global Hurun Index: Tracks 1,603 companies across 52 countries and 299 cities

The UK’s position as a leading unicorn market reflects the strength of its private technology sector. Fintech represents the largest category in the 2026 index, with 27 companies accounting for one-third of all UK unicorns by count but more than half of their aggregate value. Other notable fintech entrants on the list include Revolut, Checkout.com, SumUp, Monzo, and Starling Bank.

The UK now stands as the only European nation among the five largest unicorn markets globally, underscoring its significance in the international fintech and technology landscape. Hurun Research evaluates unicorns based on their most recent substantial funding valuations and comparable company assessments, a methodology the organization has applied since 2017.

Rapyd provides global fintech and payments infrastructure solutions, operating across multiple markets and serving businesses worldwide.

By Gavriel Gavrielides

Gavriel Gavrielides is the Founder and Chief Editor of fintech-intelligence. An ACA-qualified finance executive, he previously served as Group CFO and Global Head of Accounting & Finance for a major international Forex broker with over 800 employees, following a foundational career as an auditor at a Big Four firm. Having spent over 15 years navigating complex international regulatory frameworks, scaling financial infrastructure, and managing global corporate strategies, Gavriel launched fintech-intelligence because he recognized that the traditional boundaries between finance and technology have completely dissolved. He saw a critical need for an industry publication driven by actual operational expertise rather than outside commentary. Today, Gavriel leverages his deep institutional background to cut through the market noise, delivering high-signal, deeply analytical insights into the technologies, regulations, and innovations reshaping the future of money. Connect with Gavriel on https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavriel-gavrielides-103734124/