Midas List

Midas List is an annual ranking published by Forbes magazine that identifies the world's most successful venture capital investors. The list, first compiled in 2001, is considered a prestigious benchmark within the technology industry and the global financial markets. It is named after the King Midas of Greek mythology, symbolizing an investor's "golden touch" in identifying and backing highly successful startups.

Overview

The ranking is a definitive scorecard of influence and financial performance within the venture capital ecosystem, focusing primarily on investors in North America, Europe, and Asia. It highlights individuals whose early investments in private companies have led to significant public offerings, acquisitions, or sustained high valuations. The list is closely watched by entrepreneurs, limited partners, and other institutional investors as a signal of top-tier investment acumen. Publication often generates significant discussion within outlets like The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, and Bloomberg News.

History and methodology

The list was launched by Forbes in 2001 during the aftermath of the dot-com bubble, initially focusing on technology dealmakers. Its methodology has evolved to become more quantitative, analyzing investment returns over a multi-year period. Key criteria include the value and scale of an investor's exits, such as taking a company through an initial public offering on exchanges like the NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange, or a sale to a major corporation like Google, Facebook, or Microsoft. The ranking process involves research by the Forbes editorial team and data from sources like PitchBook and Dow Jones.

Notable members and rankings

Topping the ranking is considered a major career achievement. Early lists featured pioneers like Michael Moritz of Sequoia Capital and John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins. In recent years, investors like Chris Dixon of Andreessen Horowitz, known for bets on Coinbase and other cryptocurrency firms, and Neil Shen of Sequoia Capital China, a key figure in Alibaba's rise, have frequently ranked at the pinnacle. Other perennial top-tier members include Alfred Lin of Sequoia Capital, Mary Meeker of Bond Capital, and Peter Fenton of Benchmark. The list also tracks rising stars and partners from firms like Accel, Greylock Partners, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

Impact and reception

The list exerts considerable influence, often elevating an investor's profile and helping their firm attract capital from sovereign wealth funds and pension funds like the California Public Employees' Retirement System. It is frequently cited in discussions about investment trends, from the rise of social media and mobile apps to breakthroughs in biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Critics, however, argue it can oversimplify the collaborative nature of venture capital and may incentivize short-term thinking. Despite this, it remains a powerful cultural symbol within Silicon Valley and financial hubs like Menlo Park, Sand Hill Road, and Shanghai.

Related lists and publications

Forbes publishes several companion rankings, including the **Midas List Europe** and the **Midas Brink List**, which highlights promising early-career investors. Other notable rankings in the field include the **Forbes Global 2000**, the **Forbes 400**, and the **Forbes Billionaires List**. Industry peers and competitors also produce significant analyses, such as the **CB Insights Annual VC Rankings** and the **NVCA Venture Monitor** report. The methodology and findings are often covered in depth by CNBC, The Information, and Reuters.

Category:Forbes lists Category:Venture capital Category:Business awards Category:2001 establishments in the United States