AI Startups Rise on Forbes Midas List as Venture Funding Shifts

Forbes published its annual Midas List ranking top venture-capital investors and noted that several AI-focused startups have moved into the highest positions. The list tracks investors who have backed companies that later reached large valuations or completed major funding rounds. Forbes stated that AI-related deals accounted for a growing share of the activity measured by the ranking.

The publication reported that average round sizes for AI companies exceeded those of prior years. It also recorded an increase in the number of AI firms appearing among the top-ranked portfolio companies. Forbes attributed the change to investor interest in large-scale model development and enterprise adoption of AI tools.

The Midas List continues to include investors from both established firms and newer funds. Forbes said the 2026 edition reflects data collected through the first quarter of the year. No individual investor names or specific dollar figures were provided in the published summary.