McKinsey alumni-founded unicorns 2023: North America

North America boasts 35 alum-founded unicorns, including two founded by one alumnus. A few of these companies have become household names. You'll find billion-dollar startups here ranging from self-driving cars to healthcare tech. Whatever the industry, alumni are disrupting traditional business models and are creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of consumers in the region. Read on to see who made the list.

Did we miss any? Let us know for our next list.

At-Bay

Roman Itskovich (TAV 08-12)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $1.4B (Public information from Oct. 2021)

Roman Itskovich is the founder and Chief Risk Officer at At-Bay, a cyber insurtech founded in 2016 to provide businesses coverage for the digital age. The company combines security technology and comprehensive cyber insurance coverage to give customers access to end-to-end support, from proactive risk management to incident response. At-Bay's products include access to risk assessment, vulnerability scanning, and incident response planning.

At-Bay has reportedly reduced the number of ransomware attacks against its policyholders by as much as 80% compared to the industry average. The company reached unicorn status in 2021, and in 2023, At-Bay launched At-Bay Stance to help policyholders identify and manage threats.

Aurora

Sterling Anderson (SEA 13-14)
Headquarters: Mountain View, CA
Value: $11B at SPAC IPO (Public information from Jul. 2021)

Sterling Anderson is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora, the self-driving technology company making transportation safer, more accessible, and more efficient for everyone. Aurora's technology is based on hardware and software, including sensors, cameras, and lidar systems, which collect data about the vehicle's surroundings.

Since launching in 2017, Aurora has raised over $2.7 billion in funding and partnered with major automakers such as Hyundai and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. In July 2021, the company went public with a SPAC IPO. In anticipation of the commercial launch of their driverless freight fleet, Aurora Horizon, in 2024, Aurora recently announced the injection of $820 million in new capital.

BridgeBio Pharma

Neil Kumar (NJE 07-11)
Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA
Value: $2B at IPO (Public information from Jun. 2019)

Neil Kumar is the founder and CEO of BioBridge. This biotech startup was founded in 2015 to improve patients' lives with genetic diseases by developing innovative therapies that address underlying, often overlooked, disease causes.

BridgeBio recorded the industry's biggest IPO in 2019. The company received FDA approval for its two products in 2021, has over 30 programs in various stages of development, and has partnered with major pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions such as Novartis and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

CaptivateIQ

Conway Teng (NJE, NYO 07-10)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $1.3B (Public information from Jan. 2022)

Conway Teng is a co-founder and Co-CEO of CaptivateIQ, a commission management startup that automates the commission process. CaptivateIQ provides a transparent and efficient way to manage commissions and help businesses grow, saving customers on average 40-60 hours per month over competing solutions and enabling sales teams to focus on selling and maximizing their earnings.

CaptivateIQ processed over $2 billion in commissions in its first five years and reached unicorn status in 2022. The company recently launched CaptivateIQ Assist, an AI solution promising customers a 10x performance boost, streamlined workflows, and intelligent insights.

Cart.com

Saheb Sabharwal (HOU 11-14)
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Value: $1.2B (Public information from Jun. 2023)

Saheb Sabharwal is the co-founder and Chief Logistics Officer of Cart.com. Founded in 2020, Cart provides multichannel logistics solutions that simplify businesses' e-commerce process. The company’s solutions allow businesses to sell and fulfill their products online through various channels, including marketplaces, social media, and websites. Cart.com offers inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer support features.

Serving over 6,000 brands, Cart increased its revenue by over 500%, doubled its gross merchandise value and fulfillment footprint in 2022, and reached unicorn status in 2023.

Cedar

Florian Otto (MUN, RJO, SPO 07-10)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $3.2B (Public information from Dec. 2022)

Florian Otto is the co-founder and CEO of Cedar. This healthcare fintech is improving the patient financial experience through a modern, user-friendly platform for healthcare providers to manage patient payments and billing. Cedar's platform integrates with electronic health records and insurance systems to streamline the payment process and reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers.

“Currently, 29 million patients use Cedar annually, and we are resolving 500,000 patient bills per week at a high satisfaction,” says Florian. “Helping patients when they are most vulnerable gives me deep satisfaction and fulfillment.”

CitiusTech

Rizwan Koita (MUM 95-99)
Headquarters: Princeton, NJ
Value: $1B at acquisition (Public information from Jul. 2019)

Rizwan Koita is the co-founder and CEO of CitiusTech, a healthcare technology and analytics company that aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs through innovative technology solutions. With a focus on data analytics, digital transformation, and interoperability, CitiusTech’s expertise and product suite helps healthcare and life science organizations accelerate and scale their technology delivery.

CitiusTech was acquired by BPEA EQT in 2019 in a deal valued at over $1 billion. Today, CitiusTech has over 350 active engagements, deployed solutions to over 5,000 provider and payor locations, and has served over 140 healthcare and life sciences organizations globally.

Clarify Health Solutions

Jean Drouin (LON, NYO, SFO, TOR, ZRH 94-96, 97-97, 01-15)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $1.4B (Public information from Apr. 2022)

Jean Drouin is the co-founder and CEO of Clarify Health Solutions. The company’s healthcare analytics platform helps organizations realize improved patient outcomes and reduced costs by driving transformation, growth, and the adoption of innovative payment models. Clarify Health Solutions offers healthcare and life science organizations a suite of solutions, including predictive analytics, patient engagement tools, and care coordination platforms.

Since launching in 2015, Clarify Health reports that it has mapped over 300 million unique people, achieved 46% higher customer satisfaction than industry averages, and influenced 117 million patient journeys. The company reached unicorn status in 2022 and was named an industry leader in Frost & Sullivan’s Frost Radar: Healthcare Data Analytics 2022 Report.

Clearco

Andrew D’Souza (TOR 08-10)
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Value: $2B (Public information from Jul. 2021)

Andrew D’Souza co-founded Clearco in 2015 to fund entrepreneurs without asking for equity or personal guarantees. Leveraging data-driven algorithms to provide funding to e-commerce businesses, SaaS companies, and mobile apps, Clearco has invested over $3 billion and helped fund over 7,000 companies.

Clearco became a unicorn in 2021 and partnered with Indiegogo to launch the $10 million Creators Fund in 2022. The company reports that its commitment to democratizing capital and bias-free investing has resulted in 25X more women, 7X more LGBTQIA+ identifying founders, and 9X more black-owned businesses funded than competing VCs.

Compass

Robert Reffkin (NYO 00-02)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $8B at IPO (Public information from Apr. 2021)

Robert Reffkin co-founded this real estate technology company in 2012 to simplify the home buying and selling process through technology and personalized service. Compass connects buyers and sellers with top-rated agents and provides them with tools and insights to make informed decisions.

Compass celebrated its IPO in 2021. The company operates in 72 markets within the United States and has established partnerships with major companies such as Goldman Sachs and SoftBank. Compass recently represented football star Lionel Messi in purchasing his new $10.75 million home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DoorDash

Tony Xu (CHI 07-09)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $39B at IPO (Public information from Dec. 2020)

Tony Xu is the co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, an order delivery service connecting customers with various local food options. Since launching in 2013, DoorDash has expanded into new markets, empowering local economies in 27 countries and offering consumers on-demand access to goods from thousands of local restaurants, convenience stores, pet stores, grocery stores, and other merchants.

DoorDash recorded a blockbuster IPO in 2020. The company served over 1.7 billion consumers, paid out $13 billion to delivery drivers, and recorded $38 billion in merchant sales globally in 2022.

Faire

Jeff Kolovson (SFO 10-11)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $12.6B (Public information from May 2022)

Jeff Kolovson is the co-founder and COO of Faire, the online wholesale marketplace connecting independent retailers with unique and high-quality artisanal products. Faire empowers small businesses to compete with retail giants and supports local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to grow and thrive.

Since launching in 2017, Faire's marketplace has grown to 700K retailers and 100K brands. The company reached a billion-dollar valuation in 2019, and in 2023, Faire launched an app for independent brands to help manage their businesses.

FanDuel

Nigel Eccles (DM UK, LON 03-06)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $11.3B at acquisition (Public information from Dec. 2020)

Co-founded by Nigel Eccles in 2009, FanDuel is a fantasy sports company that offers daily fantasy sports contests, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer.

FanDuel has become one of the world’s largest fantasy sports companies, reaching a $1 billion valuation in 2015. Flutter Entertainment acquired the company for $4.2 billion in 2020. In 2022, FanDuel accounted for 42% of the U.S. online sports market where it operates, nearly double its closest competitor. The company achieved full-year profitability in 2023.

Fieldglass

Jai Shekhawat (CHI 95-99)
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Value: $1B at acquisition (Public information from Mar. 2014)

Jai Shekhawat co-founded cloud-based vendor management company Fieldglass in 1999 to offer businesses solutions for managing their contingent labor and services procurement. The company helps businesses find, engage, and manage their non-employee workforce more efficiently and effectively.

Fieldglass was acquired by SAP in 2014 and continues to operate as a subsidiary of the software giant across 180 countries.

Gympass

Cesar Carvalho (SAP 08-13)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $2.4B (Public information from Aug. 2023)

Cesar Carvalho is the co-founder and CEO of Gympass, a global corporate wellness platform that offers its corporate clients’ employees access to a wide range of fitness facilities and classes, including gyms, yoga studios, and more, all through a single membership. With over 50,000 fitness partners, 2,500 virtual personal trainers, and 2,000 on-demand programs, Gympass has become one of the world’s largest wellness networks.

Gympass reached unicorn status in 2019 and has raised over $605 million in funding from investors such as SoftBank, General Atlantic, and EQT Growth.

Hippo Insurance

Assaf Wand (NYO 04-06)
Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA
Value: $5B at SPAC IPO (Public information from Aug. 2021)

Assaf Wand founded Hippo Insurance in 2015 to create a modern and streamlined approach to home insurance through technology that simplifies the process and provides customers with more personalized coverage options. Through AI and smart technology, Hippo provides homeowners the protection they need while leveraging data and analytics to improve the overall insurance experience.

Hippo has become one of the fastest-growing insurtech companies in the US, serving 200K homes in 41 states and receiving $1.3 billion in funding from investors. The company went public with a SPAC IPO in 2021.

Allan Bloch, co-founder of Vroom and K Health

K Health & Vroom

Allon Bloch (LON 97-00)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: K Health – $1.5B (Public information from Jul. 2023); Vroom – $2.5B at IPO (Public information from May 2020)

Allon Bloch is the founder of two unicorns, K Health and Vroom. Founded first in 2013, Vroom is a leading online car retailer that offers customers a wide selection of high-quality, pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices, focusing on providing a hassle-free and transparent buying experience. The company recorded its IPO in May 2020 and has raised over $750 million in funding.

Allon launched K Health in 2016 to make healthcare affordable and accessible. The company has developed an AI chatbot that taps into over 670 million anonymized medical notes to provide information on patients’ symptoms and conditions. K Health reached unicorn status in 2021. It currently serves over 8 million people across 48 U.S. states, with its AI bot completing over 10 million patient chats.

KoBold Metals

Josh Goldman (HOU 11-15)
Headquarters: Berkeley, CA
Value: $1.2B (Public information from Jun. 2023)

Josh Goldman is the co-founder and President of KoBold Metals. Launched in 2018, this startup combines geoscience, big data, and AI to accelerate mineral exploration. The company uses machine learning and data analytics to identify and evaluate lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel deposits to improve the efficiency of natural resource exploration. Combining geological expertise with advanced technology, KoBold has created an information database that provides accurate and reliable mineral exploration data.

KoBold earned its unicorn horn in 2023. The company invests over $60 million annually to finance more than 60 projects across North America, Africa, and Australia. In 2022, the company announced its plans to invest $150 million in Zambian copper operations.

Komodo Health

Arif Nathoo (NJE 05-13)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $3.3B (Traxcn report from Mar. 2021)

Arif Nathoo is the co-founder and CEO of Komodo Health. This healthcare company reduces the disease burden and improves patient outcomes by providing real-time insights into healthcare. Komodo Health’s platform uses advanced data analytics and machine learning to collect and analyze healthcare data from electronic health records, claims data, and other sources. The company's solutions help healthcare stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, payers, and providers, to make data-driven decisions and improve patient care.

Since launching in 2014, Komodo Health has helped over 330 million patients, raised over $514 million in funding, and was recently named to the Forbes Cloud 100 list, recognizing the world’s top private cloud computing companies.

Lacework

Michael Speiser (SFO, SVO 98-99)
Headquarters: San Jose, CA
Value: $8.3B (Public information from Nov. 2021)

Michael Speiser is a founding investor of cybersecurity startup Lacework. Launched in 2015, Lacework provides a cloud security platform that offers threat detection, compliance monitoring, and incident response features. Lacework's platform uses machine learning and automation to provide real-time visibility and protection for cloud environments.

Lacework joined the unicorn club in 2021 and was named to the 2023 The Forbes Cloud 100 list, which recognizes the world’s top private cloud computing companies. The company has raised over $1.8 billion in funding and recorded 3X year-over-year revenue growth and a 3.5X year-over-year increase in new customers.

Lyra Health

Bob Kocher (BOS, DCG, DCO 01-01, 02-09, 10-11)
Headquarters: Burlingame, CA
Value: $5.9B (Public information from Jan. 2022)

Bob Kocher co-founded Lyra Health to improve access to high-quality mental health care for employees and increase ROI for employers. The company provides a comprehensive mental health platform that offers personalized care and support for individuals. Lyra combines evidence-based therapy, medication management, and digital tools to deliver effective mental health treatment.

Lyra reached a billion-dollar valuation in 2020. Since launching in 2015, the company has provided mental health care access to over 15 million people at more than 300 companies, including Meta, Pinterest, and Starbucks. Lyra reports a $2,300 per-member-per-year reduction in healthcare claims costs, a 70% increase in productivity, and an 88% improvement in clinical outcomes.

Match.com

Simon Glinsky (ATL 84-89)
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Value: $2.9B at Match Group's IPO (Public information from Nov. 2015)

Simon Glinsky helped launch one of the world’s largest online dating services in 1995. Since then, Match has sprouted millions of meaningful connections and helped redefine how people meet and fall in love. Through algorithms and data analytics, Match pairs users based on diverse preferences and backgrounds. The company is recognized for its early inclusion of LGBTQ+ populations and diverse communities into its dating service.

Simon says that the experience continues to be rewarding: "[It's great] seeing so many couples and families start with Match.com connections based on the search and Match parameters I created, starting with the excitement of one of our first Match marriages [being] heralded on the Today Show on U.S. television in 1996. It's a pleasure when I meet Match.com couples and their kids!"

Today, Match operates as a subsidiary of Match Group alongside several popular dating apps, including Tinder and Hinge. Collectively, the group’s apps have been downloaded 750 million times.

Oscar Health Insurance

Mario Schlosser (FRA 02-03, 03-07)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $7.9B at IPO (Public information from Mar. 2021)

Mario Schlosser is the co-founder and President of Technology and Chief Technology Officer at Oscar Health. Founded in 2012, Oscar is a U.S.-based health insurance company that offers specialized health plans designed to meet its members' needs. The company is built on a full stack technology platform to simplify the health insurance experience, with features like telemedicine and a mobile app that allows customers to manage their health plans.

The company currently covers 1 million members in 20 U.S. states, offering Individual & Family, Small Group, and Medicare Advantage plans. The company celebrated its IPO in 2021.

Sidecar Health

Patrick Quigley (ATA, ATL 97-99, 01-03)
Headquarters: El Segundo, CA
Value: $1B (Public information from Jan. 2021)

Patrick Quigley is the co-founder and CEO of Sidecar Health. This U.S.-based healthcare company provides flexible and affordable health insurance plans, allowing customers to choose their doctors and hospitals. Sidecar Health's unique approach to health insurance enables customers to pay only for the care they need without being limited by network restrictions or high deductibles.

Since launching in 2018, Sidecar Health has received $163 million in funding and reached a billion-dollar valuation in 2021.

Somatus

Ikenna Okezie (BOS, NYO 99-99, 00-03)
Headquarters: McLean, VA
Value: $2.5B (Public information from Feb. 2022)

Ikenna Okezie is the co-founder and CEO of Somatus, a healthcare company improving the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Somatus' approach to healthcare focuses on patient-centered care, with a team of healthcare professionals working together to provide personalized treatment plans and support.

Somatus launched in 2016, with the company today helping 160K patients across 36 U.S. states reduce their healthcare costs by 18%. The company’s valuation climbed to over a billion dollars in 2022.

SquareTrade

Steve Abernethy (NYO 95-95, 96-99) and Ahmed Khaishgi (NYO 96-99)
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Value: $1.4B at acquisition (Public information from Nov. 2016)

SquareTrade is a consumer electronics warranty provider co-founded by Steve Abernethy and Ahmed Khaishgi to provide customers with peace of mind by protecting their devices from accidental damage, malfunctions, and other issues. The company offers a fast and straightforward experience for claim processing of protection plans for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics.

SquareTrade was acquired by Allstate in 2016 for $1.4 billion and today operates as Allstate Protection Plans. The company was recently recognized by peers and consumer tech retailers and distributors with the 2023 TWICE VIP Award and received the 2023 Gold Award for Customer Service in Insurance from TITAN Business Awards.

Verkada

Hans Robertson (CHI 99-00)
Headquarters: San Mateo, CA
Value: $3.2B (Public information from Sep. 2022)

Verkada is a security company revolutionizing the enterprise security industry through modern, cloud-based technology. Founded in 2016, the company provides cloud-based building and security solutions for businesses, including video surveillance, access control, and environmental monitoring. Verkada's platform offers real-time alerts, remote access, and advanced analytics.

Verkada recorded a 60% increase in customers from 2021 to 2022, with 19,000 organizations using Verkada today. Backed by Sequoia Capital and Meritech, Verkada has raised about $344 million in funding.

VIA

Oren Shoval (TAV 06-07)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $3.5B (Public information from Feb. 2023)

VIA is a transportation company that provides digital infrastructure for public transportation. The company offers on-demand shared rides for commuters and businesses, using a proprietary algorithm to optimize routes and reduce congestion. VIA offers real-time tracking, flexible scheduling, and affordable pricing.

In 2019, VIA announced a partnership with the New York City Department of Education to leverage VIA tech to modernize school transit by tracking nearly 10,000 school buses. The company operates in over 35 countries today and has catalyzed 115 million rides.

Wealthsimple

Brett Huneycutt (MEX, NYO 06-10) and Michael Katchen (TOR 09-11)
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Value: $3.7B (Public information from May 2021)

Wealthsimple is a Canada-based fintech founded by Brett Huneycutt and Michael Katchen to provide customers with a tech-enabled, accessible investment service to help them make smart financial choices. The company offers a range of investment products, including robo-advisory services, savings accounts, and crypto trading. Wealthsimple offers commission-free trading, automatically investing spare change and personalized investment advice.

Over 3 million Canadians use Wealthsimple. The company has raised about $850 million since 2014, backed by Meritech and Greylock and Canadian celebrities Drake, Michael J. Fox, and Ryan Reynolds.

Zocdoc

Oliver Kharraz (MUE, MUN, MUT, NYB, NYO 01-07) and Cyrus Massoumi (NYB 04-07)
Headquarters: New York City
Value: $1.8B (Public information from Nov. 2015)

Zocdoc is a U.S. healthcare technology company founded by Oliver Kharraz-Tavakol and Cyrus Massoumi to give power to patients by simplifying the experience and making it easier for them to find and book appointments with the right providers. The company provides an online platform for patients to find and book appointments with healthcare providers. It also reduces the administrative burden on providers by offering real-time availability and insurance verification.

Zocdoc’s network has grown to include over 250 specialties and more than 18,000 insurance plans. The company has raised about $373 million to date from investors, including Khosla Ventures and Bezos Expeditions.

Zymergen

Joshua Hoffman (SFO 97-03)
Headquarters: Emeryville, CA
Value: $3.5B at IPO (Public information from Apr. 2021)

Zymergen is a U.S.-based biotech company co-founded by Joshua Hoffman in 2013 to transform the materials industry by partnering with nature to create sustainable and high-performance products. The company specializes in advanced genetic engineering and automation to design and manufacture novel materials and chemicals.

Following its IPO in 2021, the company shifted its business from synthetic biology to drug discovery. Ginkgo Bioworks acquired the company in 2022, integrating Zymergen’s capabilities and biological engineering expertise.

Ed. note: We’d also like to acknowledge: Adept AI, co-founded by Kelsey Szot (Schroeder) (NYO 16-16, 17-21); ConcertAI, co-founded by Jeff Elton (BOS, FIR 00-04); G2, co-founded by Godard Abel (CLE, MUN 94-99).

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