Forbes, TrueBridge Detail Top 100 VC Ranking Methodology as AI Drives Nearly Two-Thirds of Deal Value
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 27
Forbes, TrueBridge Detail Top 100 VC Ranking Methodology as AI Drives Nearly Two-Thirds of Deal Value
2 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 27
Forbes and TrueBridge said the Midas List ranks 100 venture investors using verified data on exits, acquisitions and private valuations rather than reputation or firm brand.
A VC qualifies with a $200 million-plus exit or acquisition, or a private company valued at $400 million or more; seed investors face lower thresholds of $50 million and $100 million.
The model gives heavier weight to newer investments and excludes retired investors, making the list more sensitive to current judgment and recent portfolio wins.
That shift is already changing the rankings: Airbnb, Snowflake and DoorDash have aged out since last year, while SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI now carry more influence.
The methodology lands as AI captures nearly two-thirds of total venture deal value in 2026, increasing the advantage for investors with meaningful stakes in high-value private AI companies.
As AI launches 25 newcomers onto the Midas List, is the old guard of venture capital being left behind?
Beyond backing obvious AI winners, what hidden skills separate the top Midas investors from the rest of the pack in 2026?
Does the Midas List's focus on AI valuations create an innovation blind spot for other crucial technology sectors?
The $297 Billion AI Boom: How the 2026 Midas List and Mega-Deals Are Reshaping Venture Capital
Overview
The 2026 Midas List, unveiled by Forbes, marks a major shift in venture capital, with Artificial Intelligence now driving the industry's top investors. This year's list highlights how early conviction in AI has become the key trait for those at the top, as investors who made strategic bets in AI before the sector became crowded are now recognized for their foresight. OpenAI stands out as a crucial example, with its financial achievements directly influencing the rankings. The report shows that AI's rise has not only changed who leads in venture capital but also how success is defined in the industry.