These are 7 of the hottest startups that launched in 2017

This year has been a tough one for many young companies.

But the problems faced by the founders, investors, and managers of companies such as Uber, Snap, and Blue Apron hasn't dissuaded other entrepreneurs from building new companies with the hope of disrupting existing industries or garnering a coveted billion-dollar unicorn valuation.

Among the rookies were these seven companies, all of which either raised their first round of funding or launched their first product in 2017. Each company stands out for a different reason. Some saw breakout success with consumers just months after they launched, while others proved to be such hot investments that they got massive early valuations.

From a consumer electronics startup that's taking on Apple to a online store that's aiming at Amazon, here are seven of the hottest startups to launch in 2017 - plus one bonus entry.