What if I told you that you make up to 35,000 decisions a day? This number may seem too high, but we cannot deny that we face an endless flow of findings when we crawl out of bed in the morning. All this never-ending stream of decisions throughout the day often results in people feeling exhausted by the end of the day. That is why our startup team decided to take over the routine so you can have more creative power for self-growth and development. We aim to make people's lives more comfortable and help them by releasing creative energy. 

IXORD - a multi-platform that makes people happier

The Crunchbase Unicorn Board welcomed ten fresh faces in May 2023, doubling April's count, yet trailing behind May 2022's substantial total of 34. These new unicorns were unveiled in an investment climate where leading unicorn investor, [Tiger Global](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/tiger-global), contemplates offloading its private company stakes as unicorn portfolio evaluations continue to be revised downwards.

![](img/знімок-екрана-2023-06-18-о-20.05.57.png)

Of the ten additions, nine different industries are represented with AI claiming two spots at the top. The remaining unicorns each represent a distinct sector, including energy, biotech, robotics, enterprise SaaS, and transportation.

Half of the new unicorns originated from the U.S., with two emerging from China, while Canada, Indonesia, and Japan each contributed one. The month of May saw $5 billion of the total $22 billion global venture funding allocated to these unicorn companies, which is less than half of the $11 billion acquired by unicorns in May 2022. 

![](img/знімок-екрана-2023-06-18-о-20.06.14.png)

The biggest funding for the month was secured by [Shein](https://www.sheincorp.cn/), a fast-fashion e-commerce platform, raising $2 billion in one round at a decreased valuation of $66 billion.

***Here are the newcomers:***

## AI 

Toronto's [Cohere](cohere.com), an AI-based large language model creator for enterprises, raised $270 million in its Series C funding round, led by [Inovia Capital](https://www.inovia.vc/). This has valued the 4-year-old company at $2.2 billion. 

New York's [Runway](https://runwayml.com/), an AI firm specializing in generative video, secured $100 million in a Series D round led by [Google](https://thecymes.com/article/googles-bard-chatbot-made-a-factual-error-during-its-first-demo-the-mistake-cost-the-company-100-billion), achieving a valuation of $1.5 billion.

Another notable AI startup that warrants attention is IDvizer, a facial recognition technology provider striving to revolutionize business security solutions. Their latest offering, IDvizer's Fastest Face ID, is a B2B identity recognition platform that verifies end-users in less than a second, irrespective of the device in use. This product has made waves in the AI industry for its innovative approach to security and its ability to deliver unique user experiences across various fields. [Learn more about IDvizer and its Fastest Face ID in our previous article](https://thecymes.com/article/a-brand-new-way-for-businesses-to-verify-users-idvizer-builds-the-fastest-face-id).

## Energy 

[Ryefield Energy](https://www.fox-ess.com.cn/), a China-based battery energy storage firm, raised $140 million led by [Sparkedge Capital](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/sparkedge-capital), reaching a valuation of $1.4 billion.

## Agtech 

[eFishery](http://efishery.com/), an Indonesia-based developer of IoT feeding devices and an e-commerce platform for aquafarmers, raised $108 million in a Series D round led by Abu Dhabi PE fund [G42 Expansion Fund](https://www.42xfund.com/), reaching a valuation of $1.3 billion.

## Cleantech 

Gradiant from Massachusetts, a company dedicated to aiding water-dependent enterprises in wastewater reduction and treatment, secured $225 million in a Series D round led by BoltRock Holdings and Centaurus Capital, thereby valuing the company at $1 billion.

## Enterprise SaaS 

Restaurant365, an Irvine, California-based restaurant management software firm, secured $135 million, hitting the $1 billion valuation mark. The funding round was led by private equity firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and L Catterton.

## Proptech 

New York-based Avenue One, a proptech firm providing a comprehensive service platform for rental property buyers, raised $100 million led by WestCap. This round valued the company at $1 billion.

## Transportation 

GO, Tokyo's premier ride-hailing app, secured $72 million in a Series D round led by Goldman Sachs, which valued the company at $1 billion.

## Robotics 

Zhiyuan Robotics, a Shanghai-based humanoid robot developer, raised a funding round led by Baidu Capital, achieving a $1 billion valuation. The exact amount raised remains undisclosed.

## Biotech 

Chicago's VectorBuilder, a firm specializing in gene delivery technology, completed a funding round that saw the company reach a valuation of $1 billion.

Correction: Cohere's funding round has been updated to $270 million and its valuation to $2.2 billion based on an updated funding announcement.

[The Crunchbase Unicorn Board](https://www.crunchbase.com/lists/exited-unicorns/9436a996-90a9-40bc-91c0-a7d239de07f1/organization.companies) is a curated list of privately-held unicorn companies valued at $1 billion or more, based on Crunchbase data. Additions are made as companies hit the $1 billion mark during funding rounds. Internal company valuations are not reflected, as these often differ and are usually lower than a priced funding round. Adjustments are not made for investor writedowns, which vary quarterly, as different investors may not consistently value the same company within the same quarter.

Please note that all funding values are in U.S. dollars unless specified otherwise. Foreign currency transactions are converted at the historic spot price even if they were added to Crunchbase long after the event was announced.

Illustration: Dom Guzman\
Photo by [Alex Rybin](https://unsplash.com/@alexrybin?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/images/animals/unicorn?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)\
\
*Note: The information provided in this article is sourced from Crunchbase News, and presents an analysis of the emerging unicorns and investment trends in May 2023*


 Explore the dynamic shift in the unicorn landscape in May 2023, featuring an increase in AI startups, fluctuating venture funding trends, and diverse industry representation. Get detailed insights into the new unicorns' origin, industry, and valuation.

May 2023 Unicorn Expansion | AI Dominance & Global Venture Funding Insights

May's Double-Digit Unicorn Growth Highlights Two AI Players

Salespersons are critical in representing the company, and even if the service provided is of high quality and your marketing strategy is decent, it may not matter if the salesperson is unable to effectively sell themselves to the prospective client.  The ideal outcome is that the client thinks "This manager will help to cover my needs, I trust him/her" after the initial call. Technical skills, general erudition, and understanding of the field are still the base, but emotional intelligence is the missing link that can make the difference between a mediocre salesperson and a great one. 

Emotions drive buying decisions.

For example, in the IT outsourcing business, there are hundreds of almost similar companies - the range of services,  technology stacks, pricing, and expertise. Of course, there are companies deeply focused on one domain or technology and they are standing out of the trend, but you hardly find differences within the majority. So when clients search for a vendor they shortlist 3 to 10 companies for some objective reasons like location, referrals on aggregators, and information they have got on the website, and then reach out to them. And when they face similar offers and conditions, emotions drive buying decisions because people tend to make decisions based on how they feel, rather than purely on logic or rational thinking. Many factors can trigger emotions during the buying process, such as smooth communication, perception of proficiency, cultural fit, or feeling of confidence in the future success of their common project.

Emotions can also influence how people perceive the value of a product or service. Additionally, people often make impulse buying decisions based on their emotions, even when it is not the most practical or rational choice. Marketers and salespeople who understand the emotional drivers of their customers can use this knowledge to influence their buying decisions and improve their sales effectiveness.

Here are a couple of examples of how emotions can influence buying decisions:

* Brand loyalty: Consumers may feel a strong emotional attachment to a particular brand, which can influence their decisions. For example, someone who has always used Apple products may continue to purchase Apple products even if a cheaper alternative with similar features is available. But it must be emphasized that brand loyalty globally tends to decrease.
* Social influence: Emotions such as the desire to fit in or impress others can influence purchasing decisions, like purchasing a luxury brand handbag to fit in with a certain group of people.
* Fear of missing out (FOMO): Emotions such as anxiety and fear of missing out on a limited-time offer or a scarcity tactic ("only 2 left in stock!") can create a sense of urgency and push consumers to make a purchase.
* Personal values: Emotions tied to personal values is the most powerful trend nowadays. People who place a high value on sustainability may choose to purchase eco-friendly products, even if they are far more expensive.
* Impulse buying: Emotions such as excitement or happiness can lead to impulse buying decisions even if goods are not necessarily needed. Intentional speculation on impulse buying is regarded as toxic, non-sustainable in the long run, and harmful to brands.

Successful sales people manage their own emotions and understand the emotions of the clients

Salespeople must be able to handle emotions during the selling process because emotions are contagious and can easily influence their customers. If a salesperson feels anxious, stressed, or desperate, this can create a negative font in the negotiation process and make customers less likely to make a purchase. On the other hand, if a salesperson maintains a positive and confident behavior and manner, this can create positivity and trust in the customer and increase the probability of a successful sale. Additionally, managing own emotions can help the salesperson stay focused on the customer's needs and concerns, rather than becoming too focused on their own desires for a sale. This can ultimately lead to better communication, a stronger relationship with the customer, and increased sales success.

Emotional intelligence is a skill that could be developed, so here are some tips to help:

* Practice self-awareness:  pay attention to your own emotions, and learn how to recognize and label them. This can help you better understand your own behavior and how it affects others.
* Practice active listening: be fully focused on what the other person is saying, ask clarifying questions, and repeat back what you heard. This can help you better understand and connect with others.
* Learn to manage your stress and emotions so that you can stay calm and focused in challenging situations. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can be helpful.
* Practice empathy: try to understand your counterpart’s thoughts and feelings; show admiration for the path the person has taken or the project they are undertaking. That will help you to build stronger relationships.

By understanding the emotions behind a customer's purchasing decisions and the challenges they are facing, salespeople can tailor their approach, proposal, and communication style to build trust and rapport. That can lead to a deeper understanding of the customer's needs and desires, allowing the salesperson to provide personalized solutions that resonate with the customer's emotions. Active listening, empathizing, paying attention to the tone of voice and mimicking, an active curiosity, and reading the body language are the tools that will help to understand a customer's emotions. That will help a salesperson anticipate objections, prepare beforehand, and respond to them in a way that addresses the underlying challenges behind them. 

Human to Human

A lot of sales professionals tell us that there is no such a sales model as B2B or B2C. Now it is an era of H2H, a human buy from humans. In a modern way of life and with the global problem of loneliness, simple open trustful relations are the new gold. And don't take the selling process too seriously, it’s still a mindful game, and I’ll suggest you some hints to be more successful in it:

* Sell yourself first, and then your service - build trust, rapport, and closure of a deal will be a matter of time.
* Clients speak only about what is important to them, and they don’t care about your product or service characteristics, he cares about how it will cover their needs. Listen to the client.
* Be optimistic even if there are no signs of optimism. No one likes to cooperate with grumpy people.
* Price without Value is nothing. Show the Value, create the Value.
* Don’t lie. The Fake it till you make it concept failed massively. Transparency and openness will give you more credit at a distance.

  ![* www.linkedin.com/in/malashevskyi](img/dima-malashevskyi-photo.jpeg "* www.linkedin.com/in/malashevskyi")

  www.linkedin.com/in/malashevskyi

 Today's business world is highly competitive across all industries. While there may be some objective reasoning behind purchasing physical products, the selling process for services is distinct in that emotions play a major role in the decision-making process. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. As sales are fundamentally about emotions, salespeople who are skilled in emotional intelligence are better able to build rapport with customers, handle objections, and close deals.

The role of emotions in the selling process

In recent years, the Ukrainian tech scene has been on the rise, producing a number of innovative B2B startups. These top 10 companies, including Grammarly, Preply, GitLab, PetCube, RefaceAI, Depositphotos, People.AI, Crossover, PromoRepublic, and Parkopedia, are a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of Ukrainian entrepreneurs. These startups are helping businesses in a wide range of industries by offering solutions for improving communication, marketing, and other business operations. Whether it's a grammar-checking tool, social media management platform, or AI technology, these startups are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

## Grammarly 

[Grammarly](https://www.grammarly.com/) is a software company that offers a grammar and spelling checker for English language writing. Founded by Alex Shevchenko and Max Lytvyn, Grammarly has become a go-to tool for businesses and individuals looking to improve their written communication.

![grammarly.com](img/36pfxx8gsktwtxucvp4ebm.png "Grammarly")

## Preply 

[Preply]([https://www.preply.com](https://www.preply.com/)) is an online platform that connects students with language teachers for online language lessons. Founded by Kirill Bigai and Nikita Shevchenko, Preply is helping businesses and individuals around the world improve their language skills.

![preply.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.45.03.png "Preply")



## GitLab 

[GitLab]([https://about.gitlab.com](https://about.gitlab.com/)) is a web-based Git repository manager that provides source code management (SCM), continuous integration, and more. Founded by Dmitriy Zaporozhets and Valery Sizov, GitLab has become a popular choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution for their SCM needs.

![gitlab.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.46.19.png "Gitlab")

## PetCube 

[Petcube]([https://www.petcube.com](https://www.petcube.com/)) is a company that makes smart cameras for pets, allowing pet owners to see and interact with their pets remotely. Founded by Yaroslav Azhnyuk and Andrey Klen, PetCube is a great solution for busy pet owners who want to stay connected with their furry friends while they're away.

![petcube.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.47.26.png "PetCube")

## RefaceAI 

[RefaceA]([https://www.reface.ai](https://www.reface.ai/))I [](https://www.reface.ai/)is a company that offers a deep learning-based face-swapping app, allowing users to easily swap their faces with celebrities and other public figures in videos and images. Founded by Yury Tetelman and Oleg Kivokurtsev, RefaceAI is a fun and creative tool for businesses and individuals looking to create unique content.

![hey.reface.ai](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.48.20.png "RefaceAI")



## Depositphotos 

[Depositphotos]([https://www.depositphotos.com](https://www.depositphotos.com/)) is a stock photo agency that offers a vast library of royalty-free images and videos for commercial use. Founded by Dmitry Sergeev, Depositphotos is a valuable resource for businesses looking for high-quality images for their marketing and branding efforts.

![depositphotos.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.49.57.png "Depositphotos")



## People.AI 

People.AI[](https://people.ai) is a company that provides a platform for sales and marketing teams to track, analyze, and optimize their performance. Founded by Oleg Rogynskyy and Vasyl Buzalak, People.AI is a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve their sales and marketing efforts.

![people.ai](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.50.58.png "People.ai")



## Crossover 

[Crossover](https://www.crossover.com/) is a company that offers a platform for connecting businesses with top talent from around the world for remote work. Founded by Andy Tryba, Crossover is a great solution for businesses looking to tap into the global talent pool.

![crossover.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.53.11.png "Crossover")

## PromoRepublic 

PromoRepublic[](https://www.promorepublic.com/) is a social media marketing platform that helps businesses plan and schedules their social media content. Founded by Max Pechersky and Anton Yakubenko, PromoRepublic is a valuable resource for businesses looking to improve their social media presence.

![promorepublic.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.54.09.png "PromoRepublic")

## Parkopedia

[Parkopedia](https://www.parkopedia.com/) is a company that offers a platform for finding and booking parking spaces in cities around the world. Founded by Eugene Tsyrklevich and Andrei Fadeyev, Parkopedia is a useful tool for businesses and individuals looking for convenient parking options.

![parkopedia.com](img/screenshot-2023-01-10-at-20.55.21.png "Parkopedia")

## Bottom Line

These top 10 B2B startups founded by Ukrainians in the past 5 years showcase the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Ukrainian tech industry. From grammar checkers to social media marketing platforms, these startups are solving problems and helping businesses improve their communication and marketing efforts. Keep an eye on these founders and their companies as they continue to make waves in the tech industry.


Discover the top 10 innovative Ukrainian B2B startups, including Grammarly, Preply, GitLab, PetCube, RefaceAI, Depositphotos, People.AI, Crossover, PromoRepublic, and Parkopedia, and how they're revolutionizing various industries.

Top 10 B2B Startups Founded by Ukrainians in the Past 5 Years

Ukrainians have been making a big impact in the tech industry in recent years, and these top 10 B2B startups are a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas. From grammar checkers to social media marketing platforms, these startups are solving problems and helping businesses improve their communication and marketing efforts. Check out Grammarly, Preply, GitLab, PetCube, RefaceAI, Depositphotos, People.AI, Crossover, PromoRepublic, and Parkopedia for some seriously impressive solutions and founders to watch out for.

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