"The Year Of The Decacorn: 2021 Shatters Records For Number Of New Startups Valued At $10B+"

"The Year Of The Decacorn: 2021 Shatters Records For Number Of New Startups Valued At $10B+"

In the rapidly evolving landscape of startups and technology, 2021 has proven to be a groundbreaking year. We have witnessed a staggering number of new startups reaching unprecedented valuations of $10 billion or more, earning them the title of "decacorns." To put this into perspective, a total of 84 decacorns have emerged since the first private $10 billion valuation in 2007.

Out of these 84 decacorns, 33 have already made their exit, leaving 51 decacorns still dominating the market. However, what sets 2021 apart is the remarkable surge in the number of newly valued decacorns. According to Crunchbase data, a total of 30 companies have achieved decacorn status this year alone. This is a significant increase compared to the 15 new decacorns in 2020 and a mere five in 2019. The growth and success of these startups highlight the immense potential and innovation present in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

The journey towards decacorn status began in 2007 when Facebook, now known as Meta, became the first company to achieve this milestone. Back then, Facebook secured a $15 billion valuation through a strategic investment from Microsoft. It took two more years for the next decacorn to emerge, with Alibaba reaching a valuation exceeding $10 billion in 2009. This achievement was made possible through a funding round led by global growth equity investors General Atlantic. However, there was a noticeable gap until 2014, during which no new companies reached the $10 billion mark.

The recent surge in decacorns can be attributed to various factors, including an increased interest in technology and innovation, favorable market conditions, and the availability of venture capital funding. The Crunchbase Unicorn Board, which tracks these companies, recently surpassed 1,000 companies for the first time, indicating the growing prominence of startups in today's economy.

While the rise of decacorns presents exciting opportunities, it is essential to examine how we approach the management of ideas and knowledge in this fast-paced world. One notion that comes to mind is the role of notes apps in our lives. Often, we use these apps as a means of preserving our thoughts, ideas, and discoveries, providing us with a sense of security for the future. However, the true value of these notes apps lies in their ability to help us forget.

Contrary to popular belief, we don't write things down to remember them. Instead, we write them down to forget. This may seem counterintuitive, but it aligns with the concept of loss aversion. As humans, we are naturally inclined to place more significance on avoiding losses rather than seeking gains. Our notes and ideas act as a form of insurance, allowing us to let go of information without the fear of losing it completely.

Most of the thoughts and discoveries we record may not hold significant value in the long run. We jot them down, only to never revisit them again. It is akin to writing something down, setting it on fire, and letting the ashes disperse. However, our attachment to these ideas stems from our desire for productivity and progress. We want our thoughts to have meaning, and we fear losing them.

To truly embrace the power of forgetting, we must first feel safe in doing so. We need assurance that our memories will not be in vain and that we can access them if needed. Only then can we release the burden of trying to remember everything. It is essential to resurface what truly matters and let go of the rest.

We often blame the tools and techniques we use for organizing our notes. We convince ourselves that a new app or feature will solve the problem of forgetfulness. However, the cycle continues, and we find ourselves seeking the next best thing. In reality, the value of our ideas lies in their context and the time at which we encounter them. Our notes become a record of when we first encountered an idea, rather than a source of ongoing value.

In conclusion, the rise of decacorns in 2021 showcases the incredible growth and potential within the startup ecosystem. It is a testament to the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of our time. However, it is equally important to recognize the role of notes apps and our approach to preserving ideas. We must understand that their true value lies in allowing us to forget, rather than hoarding information indefinitely.

To make the most of this understanding, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the power of forgetting: Recognize that not every idea or thought needs to be remembered. Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. Trust that the information will be there if you need it again.

• 2. Avoid the illusion of value: Understand that the worth of your ideas comes from their context and application, rather than the act of recording them. Don't get caught up in constantly seeking new tools or techniques. Instead, focus on utilizing what works for you and your unique needs.

• 3. Prioritize meaningful progress: Shift your mindset from seeking productivity for the sake of it to pursuing meaningful progress. Embrace the idea that not everything needs to have immediate value or a tangible outcome. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and experiment without the pressure of constant productivity.

By adopting these practices, we can navigate the world of ideas and information more effectively, freeing ourselves from the burden of remembering everything. Let notes apps be the insurance for our ideas, providing us with the mental safety to forget and focus on what truly matters.