# What is Hectocorn? Definition & Technical Mechanics

> **Source:** [SPIDITS AI Startup & Venture Intelligence Glossary](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary)  
> **Category:** Metrics  
> **Canonical Citation:** [https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/hectocorn](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/hectocorn)

## Definition
A Hectocorn is a privately held startup company valued at $100 billion or more, representing the absolute pinnacle of private market growth.

## Architectural Mechanics & Deep Dive
A Hectocorn is a privately held startup company valued at $100 billion or more, representing the absolute pinnacle of private market growth.

## Industry Applications & Real-World Use Cases
Pre-IPO mega-scale valuations

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are examples of hectocorns?
ByteDance (parent of TikTok) and SpaceX have reached hectocorn valuations in private secondary markets.

### What is the exit path for a hectocorn?
Almost exclusively a massive public market listing (IPO) or direct listing on a major stock exchange.

## Related Terminology
- [decacorn](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/decacorn)
- [unicorn](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/unicorn)
- [exit](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/exit)

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*From the SPIDITS AI Knowledge Base (300+ terms indexed). Explore full technical definitions: [https://spidits.com/startup-glossary](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary)*
