Key Traits of Unicorn Founders
A recent report identified four specific traits that consistently drive unicorn growth, regardless of a founder's background or identity.
The Inclusive Alpha Founder Report 2025 analyzed 171 unicorn founders and found that the following traits are common among successful entrepreneurs:
- Low neuroticism and inward focus
- High analytical thinking
- Assertiveness
Recognising that behaviour, not demographics, predicts success, can support a more inclusive approach to backing future founders.
This challenges the stereotype that venture capital firms favour founders who are typically white, male, and well-connected, and highlights the importance of behaviour in predicting success.
Author's summary: Report identifies key traits of unicorn founders.