FAQ on Forbes’ Next Billion-Dollar Startups Featuring Forterra and Other AI-Focused Companies

What is the Forbes’ Next Billion-Dollar Startups list?

It’s a list curated by Forbes in partnership with TrueBridge Capital Partners, highlighting U.S.-based, venture-backed companies valued under $1 billion with high potential to become unicorns, focusing on AI and other sectors.

Why is AI a dominant theme in the 2025 list?

AI dominates the list because 20 out of the 25 featured companies are AI-focused, indicating the growing influence and application of artificial intelligence across various industries like healthcare, accounting, and defense.

Who are some of the notable alumni from past lists?

Notable alumni include DoorDash, Figma, and Anduril, with more than half of past alumni achieving unicorn status, showcasing the list’s track record in identifying successful startups.

What criteria are used to select companies for the list?

Selection criteria include founders’ background, early traction, investor backing, and 2024 revenue estimates, combining journalists’ reporting with quantitative analysis to identify high-potential startups.

Which Boston startup is featured on the list and what does it do?

AcuityMD, a Boston startup, helps manufacturers find the right physicians for their products using de-identified patient data to craft marketing plans, with customers including Synchron and Intellijoint.

What New York startups are included in the list?

New York startups on the list include Agentio, a marketplace for brands to find influencers; Basis, an AI accounting software maker; Graphite, developer of an AI assistant for code reviews; and Rogo, building a chatbot for junior bankers.

Which Los Angeles-area startups are highlighted?

Los Angeles-area startups featured are Apex, a small-satellite manufacturer with DoD contracts, and Stan, which helps individuals monetize their online fame through an online storefront linked to their social media.

What is Forterra and why is it notable?

Forterra, a Maryland startup, is notable for securing a $93 million U.S. Army contract to produce mine-clearing robots and being part of a team building self-driving missile launchers for the Marines, with $303 million raised from backers.

How can startups achieve unicorn status according to the list?

Startups can achieve unicorn status by demonstrating strong founder vision, early traction, solid investor backing, and potential for significant revenue growth, as evidenced by the success of past list alumni.

What is the significance of the Forbes and TrueBridge partnership?

The partnership leverages TrueBridge’s investment expertise and Forbes’ media platform to identify and highlight promising startups, with a proven track record of predicting future unicorns.