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UC more likely than Ivy Leagues to produce unicorn startups

For the second year in a row, a report found that University of Cincinnati alumni have the highest likelihood per capita in the U.S. of becoming unicorn founders.
laradm@ucmail.uc.edu (Diana M Lara) | Fri, Jan 24, 2025

While schools like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology bask in storied prestige, the University of Cincinnati outpaces them as a hub for billion-dollar startup founders. That’s according to a study by Stanford University professor Ilya Strebulaev.

“Unicorn” refers to a privately held startup company that exceeds a $1 billion valuation. UC’s ranking in the most recent study reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and spotlights the school’s ability to compete with other elite institutions.

Notable UC alum-turned-unicorns include:

  • Chris Wanstrath: Co-founder of GitHub, sold to Microsoft for $7.5 billion
  • Jay Chaudhry: CEO of Zscaler, a cybersecurity firm he founded valued at $28 billion
  • Ry Walker: Founder of Astronomer, Cincinnati's first unicorn startup

Strebulaev shared his latest report via LinkedIn. The results show that founders who either studied or worked at UC are 3.3 times more likely than average to achieve unicorn status if they create a venture capital-backed startup.

Last year, Entrepreneur cited Strebulaev's report noting that for the first time, the University of Cincinnati was most likely to produce unicorn founders, outpacing even Stanford.

School for startup success

The culture needed for founders to produce unicorn startups is extraordinarily unique. To succeed, entrepreneurs need a robust group of mentors and financiers along with the business acumen to identify market opportunities. As a leader in the entrepreneurship space, UC is deeply invested in innovation and accelerating startups.

The UC 1819 Innovation Hub opened its doors in 2018 and follows a model where anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset can accelerate their idea from concept to commercialization. It serves as the central hub of the Cincinnati Innovation District, inspiring individuals to transform and disrupt the norm. 1819 acts as an entrepreneurial ecosystem and a catalyst for industry and top science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) talent collaboration.

The University of Cincinnati views Strebulaev’s study as validation of the institution’s belief in its ability to prepare students for high-level success. The findings align with UC President Neville Pinto’s strategic vision, “Next Lives Here,” which emphasizes a commitment to innovation, resilience and forward-thinking boldness — qualities ingrained in the university’s identity and culture. This mindset continues to drive UC’s reputation as a hub for cultivating exceptional talent.

The 1819 Innovation Hub serves as the Center for the Silicon Heartland, fostering innovative programs and events that bring together students, researchers and business professionals to tackle challenges creatively.

Featured image at top: Chris Wanstrath sits with UC President Neville Pinto. Photo/Mary Dwyer

Innovation Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.