The annual ranking of the 100 best tech investors in the world has returned for its 24th year. Over the last two decades, a significant stock market listing or sale has been key for VCs to secure top spots in these prestigious rankings. Now, the soaring valuations of a new crop of super-sized private startups like OpenAI, SpaceX, and Databricks are shaking up the rankings of the world’s best tech investors.
This shift has seen investors from Silicon Valley, including prominent firms such as Sequoia and notable figures from the so-called PayPal Mafia, further solidify their positions. However, it has also brought a crop of new faces with a talent for identifying future unicorns. Prominent venture capitalists such as Mar Hershenson, Hemant Taneja, and Larry Li have made significant achievements, showcasing their acumen in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups.
Highlights include the continued success of established investors who have adapted to the evolving landscape of tech investments, as well as the newcomers who have leveraged their unique insights and networks to make impactful investments. In addition to the established heavyweights, this year’s rankings also place a spotlight on the rising stars of venture capital. These innovative investors have demonstrated an exceptional ability to foresee trends and invest in the next generation of technology.
The landscape of venture capital is undergoing rapid change, driven by new technologies and shifting market dynamics. With the increasing prominence of AI, space exploration, and data analytics, the criteria for achieving top spots are evolving. This year’s list reflects those who not only have a proven track record but also show potential for future success.
This ranking remains a crucial barometer for the industry, highlighting those who possess the vision, knowledge, and connections to drive the next wave of innovation. An annual rundown of the 100 best VC investors in the world has been published. The list, compiled using submissions from VC firms and publicly available data, evaluates investors’ success based on their returns over the past five years.
To qualify, VCs must have invested in companies that, within that period, either went public or were acquired for a minimum of $200 million, or that have at least doubled in valuation to $400 million or more. This year’s list features just seven investors based in Europe, with six of them operating out of London and just one from Berlin. Europe-based VCs on the 2025 Midas List:
– Institutional Venture Partners (IVP)
– Notable deal: UiPath
– Rank: 100
– Danny Rimer, Index Ventures
– Notable deal: Figma
– Phillipe Botteri, Accel
– Notable deal: Docusign
– Luciana Lixandru, Sequoia Capital
– Notable deal: UiPath
– Tom Stafford, DST Global
– Notable deal: Nubank
– Pawel Chudzinski, Point Nine Capital
– Notable deal: Revolut
In addition to these highlights, the European startup ecosystem continues to grow and attract substantial investments.
For example, Paris-based Cathay Innovation recently closed a €1 billion fund dedicated to AI, marking one of the largest VC funds in continental Europe. Another notable development is high-profile founder and angel VC Marie Outtier joining Paris-based Ovni Capital as it closes its first early-stage fund. The move to AI is further demonstrated by the Revolut CEO raising $250 million for AI-powered VC firm QuantumLight, with all of the fund’s deals to date being recommended by its proprietary AI model.
Top tech investors shaping 2025
Europe’s presence in the venture capital landscape continues to expand, with key players making significant strides in various industries. The newest members of the Midas List aren’t new to venture capital.
Many have been investing for decades, building portfolios through expertise and valuable networks. Take, for instance, Larry Li of Amino Capital. Li saw potential in digital banking and fintech early on, most notably backing Chime.
In the summer of 2013, Chime’s founders approached Li after facing rejection from other investors. Li, who had built significant data infrastructure for Wachovia and closely observed fintech innovations in China, saw potential in Chime transforming banking in the U.S. That $50,000 seed investment in Chime is now worth hundreds of millions, with the company preparing for a $25 billion IPO. Li’s network and foresight have led him to support successful ventures like Zoom and generate numerous unicorns in his portfolio, including Rippling and Replit.
“You invest only when you stay together with smart people,” says Li, emphasizing the importance of strong networks for success in venture capital. Pete Sonsini, co-founder and general partner of Laude Ventures, who has over 20 years of experience at New Enterprise Associates, has also made a notable entry onto the Midas List. Sonsini’s investment focus is on technology infrastructure, and his bets include AI startup Perplexity and software firm Databricks.
Laude Ventures is already making waves with its emphasis on deeply technical entrepreneurs and research-driven startups. Ilya Fushman of Kleiner Perkins, another Midas newcomer, initially pursued a career in science before diving into venture capital. After successful stints at Khosla Ventures and Index Ventures, Fushman has invested in unicorns like Rippling, Slack, Cameo, and Robinhood.
His diverse background has equipped him to spot and support high-growth startups effectively. Adam Ross of Goldcrest Capital took an unconventional path to venture capital. Starting as editor-in-chief of the Stanford Review, Ross built connections with Peter Thiel and other prominent figures.
Over time, this network led to investments in companies such as SpaceX, Facebook, and Palantir. Ross credits these relationships for his success, highlighting the enduring value of strong, long-term networks in the venture capital industry. These newcomers illustrate that the network effect plays a crucial role in the venture capital world.
Building and maintaining relationships, along with a keen eye for future trends, have propelled these investors onto the prestigious Midas List in 2025.