Ecommerce startup Ankorstore becomes latest European unicorn

France has produced the second European unicorn of the year as ecommerce startup Ankorstore reached a €1.75 billion (about $2 billion) valuation, after raising €250 million in fresh funding.

US investors Bond and Tiger Global led the round, which brings the startup's total amount raised to €365 million. Eurazeo and Coatue also participated alongside all existing investors. 

The deal comes less than a week after HR tech startup PayFit became not only France's, but also Europe's first unicorn of the year with its €254 million Series E. A total of 10 French companies achieved the coveted status last year, including insurtech startup Alan and DIY marketplace ManoMano. Europe as a whole saw a record 70 startups reach a $1 billion-plus valuation in 2021.

With already over €500 million invested, France is on track for another record year in terms of VC capital invested. In 2021, startups raised €10.1 billion across 869 deals with mega-rounds from the likes of fantasy football platform Sorare and employee benefits companies Swile. 

Founded in 2019, Ankorstore’s marketplace connects specialist brands with independent stores in 23 countries. It currently has over 15,000 brands selling more than one million unique products on its platform.