New Delhi, June 26 : India retained its position among the world's leading startup ecosystems with 61 unicorns, ranking fourth globally in the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2026.

The country continued to be one of the world's largest startup hubs, with Bengaluru retaining its status as India's unicorn capital with 25 unicorns, followed by Mumbai with 13.

India's highest-valued unicorns represented sectors such as brokerage, quick commerce and fintech. Meanwhile, six Indian unicorns also debuted on the public markets during the year, reflecting an improving IPO environment.

The report also highlighted the growing global influence of Indian entrepreneurs.

Indians have co-founded 217 unicorns worldwide of which 156 are based outside India, including 142 in the United States, while the remaining 61 operate within the country. Collectively, these companies are valued at nearly $600 billion.

According to the report, Indian founders are increasingly shaping the global AI and fintech landscape through several companies.

In addition, artificial intelligence emerged as the biggest driver of wealth creation in the global startup ecosystem, with AI unicorns accounting for 36 per cent of the total value of all unicorns worldwide.

Although AI unicorns numbered 215 -- almost the same as fintech's 216 -- they commanded significantly higher valuations.

Hurun Chairman Rupert Hoogewerf said 2026 marked the year AI evolved from theme to engine, with the race to develop advanced AI models creating the next generation of global technology giants.

Globally, a record 308 startups attained unicorn status during the year -- almost one every day -- while 75 unicorns went public and 64 exited through mergers and acquisitions.

At the same time, 88 companies lost their unicorn status after their valuations fell below the $1 billion mark.

The United States remained the world's largest unicorn ecosystem with 806 unicorns.

/IANS