Decacorn
A Decacorn is a privately-owned startup company that has reached a valuation of over $10 billion. The term comes from combining "deca" (meaning ten) with "unicorn" (a startup valued at $1 billion or more). When reviewing resumes in venture capital or startup contexts, this term indicates experience with extremely high-value, fast-growing companies. For comparison, regular unicorns are valued at $1 billion+, while even rarer "hectocorns" are valued at $100 billion+. These terms are commonly used by investors, startup employees, and venture capital professionals to quickly communicate a company's value and growth status.
Examples in Resumes
Led investment strategy resulting in early identification of three Decacorn companies
Managed investor relations for a Decacorn startup through Series D funding
Developed valuation models that accurately predicted two Decacorn exits
Typical job title: "Venture Capital Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Venture Capital Analysts
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Industry Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you evaluate whether a unicorn has the potential to become a decacorn?
Expected Answer: The answer should cover analysis of market size, growth rate, competitive advantages, management team quality, and current financial metrics. Should also mention understanding of industry trends and scaling potential.
Q: What are the key risks to consider when investing in potential decacorn companies?
Expected Answer: Should discuss valuation risks, market competition, regulatory challenges, execution risks, and the importance of sustainable unit economics. Should also mention experience with due diligence processes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the typical funding stages a company goes through before reaching decacorn status?
Expected Answer: Should explain the progression from seed to Series A, B, C and beyond, typical valuations at each stage, and key metrics investors look for at each point.
Q: How do you track and monitor potential decacorn companies in the market?
Expected Answer: Should mention use of databases like CB Insights or PitchBook, industry news sources, network relationships, and key performance indicators they monitor.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a unicorn and a decacorn?
Expected Answer: Should explain that unicorns are valued at $1 billion+ while decacorns are valued at $10 billion+, and be able to name some examples of each.
Q: What sectors currently have the most decacorn companies?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of current market trends, mentioning sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and technology, with specific company examples.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic financial modeling
- Market research and analysis
- Understanding of startup metrics
- Knowledge of venture capital basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Due diligence process management
- Deal flow analysis
- Investment thesis development
- Portfolio company monitoring
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex valuation modeling
- Deal structuring and negotiation
- Board member experience
- Exit strategy planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic startup valuation methods
- Lack of knowledge about current market unicorns and decacorns
- Unable to explain different funding stages
- No experience with financial modeling or analysis
Related Terms
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