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The Quiet Revolution: The Next Wave of Private Market Titans
Beyond the headlines of SpaceX and OpenAI, a wave of rising innovators in robotics, space, and biotech are quietly shaping the future.
Richard Hadler here from Founders Capital. We scour Europe for the top 1% of Start-ups led by epic Founders, giving them access to our world-class investor & partner network to scale their ventures to heady heights.
The private markets have been stealing the limelight lately—and rightly so. Over the past 18 months, some of the world’s most prominent private companies have made headlines (and a few waves) as they skyrocket in both valuations and cultural significance.
SpaceX is redefining space travel, OpenAI is turning artificial intelligence into everyday tools, and Anthropic is carving out its own niche in the AI safety race. All three have at least doubled their valuations in the last 12 months, and there are countless other examples following a similar trajectory.
But while these big players dominate the front pages, an equally exciting story is unfolding just beneath the surface. A new wave of private companies—those currently hovering in the Series B/C range with valuations between $500m and $1bn—is quietly setting the stage for what could be the next era of transformative innovation.
These aren’t just tomorrow’s unicorns; they’re the businesses that could shape entire industries.
And if they don’t become industry leaders in their own right? Many are well-positioned to become prime acquisition targets for the behemoths already dominating their space. Think Google snapping up DeepMind or Apple’s strategic spree in AR. The game is far from over, and the consolidation race is heating up.
Sectors on the Brink of Transformation
Three industries, in particular, are brimming with innovation and quietly reshaping the future:
1. Robotics
Robotics isn’t just about humanoid machines; it’s about automation meeting intelligence. Companies like Agility Robotics are pioneering bipedal robots for logistics and industrial tasks, while ANYbotics is perfecting autonomous inspection robots for critical infrastructure. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re tools solving billion-dollar problems in labour shortages, efficiency, and safety.
In healthcare, Vicarious Surgical is blending robotics with virtual reality to create minimally invasive surgical systems. It’s easy to imagine these companies catching the eye of a major tech firm eager to expand into automation or healthcare.
2. Space
Sure, SpaceX and Blue Origin get most of the attention, but space isn’t just about rockets. Companies like Planet Labs are redefining satellite imaging, providing real-time data on Earth’s surface that’s revolutionising everything from climate research to agriculture. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab is quietly emerging as a leader in small satellite launches.
Other players, like Impulse Space, are working on in-space transportation—essential for building a sustainable presence beyond Earth. With NASA and the private sector pouring billions into space exploration, these companies are laying the groundwork for a thriving space economy.
3. Biotech
Biotech is undergoing a renaissance, driven by advances in AI and computational biology. Startups like Insitro are leveraging AI to accelerate drug discovery, while Ginkgo Bioworks is making waves in synthetic biology, enabling the creation of new materials, medicines, and even food.
In health tech, Verve Therapeutics is leading the charge in gene-editing therapies to tackle cardiovascular disease. These companies are doing the heavy lifting in R&D, making them attractive targets for pharma giants looking to fast-track their pipelines.
And on a personal note, we’ve just launched our investment into Biostate AI, a company pushing the boundaries of biotech. You can view more about the deal here.
Why These Companies Matter
The companies in this “hidden middle” tier represent more than just compelling investments—they are the future giants of their industries. It feels almost paradoxical to describe companies on track to hit unicorn status as “hidden,” but with the current fanfare surrounding the big names, that’s exactly how it feels.
These businesses are tackling massive, complex challenges and positioning themselves as indispensable players in global markets. And with their growth trajectories, they’re also increasingly attractive acquisition targets. The Amazons, Googles, and Pfizers of the world have deep pockets and an appetite for acquisitions that can fast-track their innovation pipelines.
2025 is shaping up to be a catalyst year for these companies to emerge from the shadows. With rapid growth and sheer momentum in robotics, space, and biotech, the window to discover and invest in them is narrowing quickly.
So What?
While the headlines fixate on the SpaceXs and OpenAIs of the world, some of the most exciting innovation is happening just outside the spotlight. Robotics, space, and biotech are bursting with potential, driven by companies that may not yet be household names but have all the ingredients to become market leaders—or the next prized acquisition.
Whether they rise to rival the current giants or quietly power them from the sidelines, these companies are redefining what’s possible. The next wave of private market titans is already here—you just have to look closely.
Until next time!
Cheers,
Rich