“The Forbes Midas List seeks to identify individuals who deploy venture capital to create wealth for their investors and build valuable, long-lasting companies. Only tech and life sciences companies that have gone public or been acquired within the past five years are considered. Our ranking formula ignores the original amount invested in a deal (as it is often undisclosed), instead weighing most heavily the market capitalization of a venture-backed company on the close of the first day of trading or the final closing price of an acquisition. A lesser weight is given to the change in value of each investment since going public or being sold. Ranking also depends on a candidate’s length of involvement in and depth of influence on a company.

Our results are based on extensive reporting and surveys sent to thousands of professionals, including angel investors, bankers, lawyers and venture capitalists. Please note that the bios for this year’s Midas List may include references to deals that are not counted in the Midas ranking.”