Why Your Startup Needs to Be a Unicorn
- kennylwu
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
— And Why That Might Not Mean What You Think
In the startup world, the word “unicorn” carries almost mythical weight — a private company valued at over $1 billion, admired by founders and investors alike. In places like Silicon Valley or Shenzhen, it’s a goal. In Macao, it might feel like a distant dream.
But here’s the truth: Your startup needs to be a unicorn — not necessarily in valuation, but in ambition, clarity, and uniqueness.
Unicorn Is a Mindset, Not a Number
Most startups won’t raise a billion-dollar valuation, and that’s okay. What matters is building something with breakout potential. The idea isn’t to chase money blindly, but to build with the belief that your product, team, and vision could scale at that level — if you’re bold enough.
In Macao, where the startup ecosystem is still emerging, the unicorn mindset pushes founders to play bigger — beyond the local market, beyond comfortable ideas.
Clarity Sharpens Focus
Unicorns aren’t built by accident. They happen when teams have a clear problem, a scalable solution, and an obsession with execution. Ask yourself:
Are you solving a real problem for a large market?
Can your model scale across borders?
Can your team keep up with the speed of growth?
You don’t have to get everything right on day one — but if you never ask these questions, you’ll always build small.
Investors Look for Unicorn Seeds
Even if you’re in early stages, investors are scanning for unicorn traits:
A big vision
A clear and growing market
A founding team that’s all-in
Signs of momentum or unique insight
If your startup doesn’t look capable of being a unicorn, it won’t get the attention or backing it deserves — especially outside of Macao.
Macao Needs Its First Unicorns
Let’s be honest — Macao isn’t known for tech startups. But that’s exactly why it’s an opportunity. The first unicorn in Macao will inspire a new generation, attract global attention, and change how entrepreneurship is seen here.
Maybe your startup won’t be the first unicorn. But maybe it sparks the mindset shift that makes it possible.
So, Where Are Macao’s Unicorns?
As of mid-2025, Macao has yet to produce its first unicorn startup — but the groundwork is actively being laid. Organizations like the Macao Young Entrepreneur Incubation Centre (MYEIC) and international platforms such as BEYOND Expo have been instrumental in nurturing local innovation, supporting founders, and connecting Macao to the global tech ecosystem. Their efforts have helped shift the narrative from “Why Macao?” to “Why not Macao?” We’re not there yet, but thanks to the support of these key platforms, the path is clearer than ever for bold entrepreneurs ready to lead the way.
Final Thought: Be a Unicorn in Value, Not Just Valuation
Being a unicorn isn’t about becoming the next Stripe or ByteDance. It’s about building something:
That people love
That solves a big enough problem
That your team is proud of
That can scale, if the stars align
In Macao, startups are just starting to roar. Let’s stop playing small. Think unicorn — not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.
And if you’re just starting out, you don’t have to do it alone.
🧑🏫 Ready to Think Bigger? Join Our Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program, co-hosted by Macao Startup Club and the France Macau Chamber of Commerce (法國澳門商會), is designed for aspiring founders who want to take their ideas to the next level.
Whether you’re shaping your first business model or learning how to tell your startup story, this program connects you with experienced mentors — from founders to industry leaders — who can offer real-world advice and guidance.
💡 You’ll explore:
Business modeling and startup strategy
Marketing and storytelling for growth
Pitching with confidence
And most importantly, how to think like a unicorn
👉 Please see https://macaostartup.club/mentor2025 for more details.
Start building with intention. Your unicorn journey might begin here.
Want to join a community that believes in building the next big thing?
