The Forbes Midas List: Submit Your Nominations Now
Submissions are now open for the 23rd annual Midas List, the prestigious ranking of the world’s top venture capitalists in private tech companies. The Midas List, produced in partnership with TrueBridge Capital Partners, is a data-driven ranking that evaluates hundreds of investors across leading firms in the industry. The list focuses on portfolio success and results rather than popularity or social media influence. To be eligible, investors must back private technology companies on behalf of a venture capital fund with outside limited partner backers. Submissions for the 2024 Midas List are open until February 9, so venture capitalists are encouraged to submit their nominations now.
Optimism Rising for Venture Capital Profits in 2024
While the next wave of game-changing tech IPOs is still on the horizon, there is reason for optimism among investors looking for venture capital profits in 2024. Several modestly successful offerings and soaring valuations for AI startups indicate a potential boost for venture capitalists. This positive trend could have a significant impact on the composition of the new cohort of investors on the Midas List. As the definitive ranking of the world’s top investors in private tech companies, the Midas List serves as a barometer for the industry’s most successful venture capitalists.
How the Midas List Evaluates the World’s Top Investors
The Midas List evaluates venture capitalists based on their portfolio success and results. The ranking takes into account the performance of the investments made by the venture capitalists on behalf of their limited partner backers. The evaluation process is data-driven and considers factors such as the valuations of portfolio companies that have gone public or been acquired in the past five years. Eligible portfolio companies must have a valuation of $200 million or more or have doubled their private valuation to reach $400 million or more since the investor’s initial investment. The ranking rewards bold and successful investments across all stages of the investment cycle.
Notable Inclusions and Milestones from the 2023 Midas List
The 2023 Midas List showcased the accomplishments of several prominent venture capitalists. Seven newcomers debuted on the list, while five previously dropped-off investors made a return. It is worth noting that 11 women were included among the list of 100 investors, highlighting the increasing diversity in the venture capital industry. Additionally, the 2023 list featured the first Black investor in Midas history, Adeyemi “Ade” Ajao, co-founder of Base10 Partners. These notable inclusions and milestones demonstrate the evolving landscape of the venture capital industry and the recognition of diverse talent.
Introducing the Midas Seed List: Recognizing Top Seed-Stage Investors
Alongside the Midas List, Forbes and TrueBridge introduced the Midas Seed List in 2022. This list focuses specifically on the top 25 seed-stage investors, acknowledging their potential for delivering outsized returns. The Midas Seed List complements the multi-stage Midas List by recognizing the unique contributions of seed-stage investors. The evaluation for the Midas Seed List uses a lower deal valuation threshold, considering the different dynamics of early-stage investments. Investors and firms that submit their nominations for the Midas List will automatically be considered for the Midas Seed List as well, ensuring comprehensive recognition of their achievements.
The Midas List, along with its new addition, the Midas Seed List, provides a comprehensive view of the venture capital industry’s top performers. It serves as a benchmark for investors to assess their success and contribution to the growth of private tech companies. Venture capitalists and industry insiders are encouraged to submit their nominations before the February 9 deadline to be considered for the 2024 Midas List and the Midas Seed List. The Midas List continues to be a highly respected ranking that recognizes the exceptional achievements of venture capitalists worldwide.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Forbes Midas List: Submit Your Nominations Now
Short analysis: The opening of nominations for the 23rd annual Midas List indicates a positive outlook for the venture capital market. The list’s focus on portfolio success and results suggests that the industry is optimistic about venture capital profits in 2024. This trend could lead to a significant impact on the composition of the new cohort of investors on the Midas List.
