Forbes Cloud 100: 

The Definitive Ranking of the World’s Top Cloud Companies

Each year, Forbes partners with Bessemer Venture Partners and Salesforce Ventures to identify and evaluate the most innovative and promising companies in the cloud computing space. The list is highly regarded in the industry and serves as a benchmark for the cloud sector, highlighting companies that are leading the way in terms of growth, innovation, and market impact.

What is the Forbes Cloud 100?

The Forbes Cloud 100 is an annual ranking that recognizes the top 100 private cloud companies globally. These companies are evaluated based on various criteria, including market leadership, estimated valuation, operating metrics, people & culture, and growth rate. The list is a prestigious accolade for companies in the cloud industry, as it showcases those that are making significant strides in transforming businesses through cloud-based solutions.

How are Companies Selected for the Forbes Cloud 100?

The selection process for the Forbes Cloud 100 is rigorous. Companies are judged by a panel of CEOs from public cloud companies, venture capitalists, and analysts. The evaluation criteria include:

• Market Leadership: The company’s position within the cloud industry and its ability to influence the market.
• Valuation: The estimated market value of the company, which reflects its financial health and investor confidence.
• Operating Metrics: Key performance indicators such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, and retention.
• People & Culture: The strength of the company’s leadership team and the culture it fosters among its employees.
• Growth Rate: The company’s ability to scale rapidly and sustainably.

The companies that make it to the list are those that have demonstrated exceptional performance across these dimensions, indicating their potential to continue leading the cloud industry.

Why is the Forbes Cloud 100 Important?

The Forbes Cloud 100 is more than just a list; it’s a snapshot of the most influential players in the cloud computing space. Being named to the Cloud 100 is a significant achievement for any company, as it not only provides recognition but also attracts attention from investors, customers, and potential employees. The companies on this list are often viewed as industry leaders and trendsetters, and many have gone on to become successful public companies.

For investors, the Cloud 100 serves as a guide to identifying high-growth companies with the potential for substantial returns. For industry professionals, it highlights companies that are pushing the boundaries of what cloud technology can achieve. And for customers, it identifies trusted and innovative partners who can help them harness the power of the cloud.

Key Trends in the 2024 Cloud 100

As cloud computing continues to evolve, the companies on the 2024 Cloud 100 list are at the forefront of several key trends:

• AI and Machine Learning: Many of the companies on the list are integrating AI and machine learning into their cloud offerings, enabling businesses to leverage data more effectively and automate processes.
• Security and Compliance: With growing concerns over data privacy and cyber threats, cloud companies focusing on security and compliance have become increasingly important.
• Multi-cloud Strategies: Companies that offer solutions enabling businesses to manage and optimize multi-cloud environments are gaining traction as enterprises look to avoid vendor lock-in and increase flexibility.
• Vertical-specific Solutions: Cloud companies are increasingly offering solutions tailored to specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail, allowing for more specialized and effective cloud deployments.

Notable Companies on the Forbes Cloud 100

The 2024 Forbes Cloud 100 features a mix of well-established giants and emerging innovators. Some notable companies that have made the list include:

• Stripe: A leading online payments company that has become synonymous with fintech innovation.
• Databricks: Known for its unified data analytics platform, Databricks is a pioneer in big data and AI.
• Canva: A design platform that has revolutionized the way people create and share visual content.
• Snowflake: A cloud-based data warehousing company that has seen tremendous growth and success, including a highly successful IPO.
• UiPath: A leader in robotic process automation (RPA), helping businesses automate routine tasks.

How to Learn More About the Forbes Cloud 100

For those interested in exploring the full list of companies on the Forbes Cloud 100, detailed profiles and insights are available on the Forbes website. These profiles offer a deep dive into each company’s business model, leadership team, and future prospects.

FAQs About the Forbes Cloud 100

1. When is the Forbes Cloud 100 list released? The Forbes Cloud 100 list is typically released annually in September, coinciding with the publication of the Forbes magazine’s special issue.
2. Can public companies be included in the Forbes Cloud 100? No, the Forbes Cloud 100 is exclusively for private companies. Once a company goes public, it is no longer eligible for inclusion on the list.
3. How can a company be nominated for the Forbes Cloud 100? Companies can be nominated by their investors, board members, or by themselves. Nominations are submitted through the Forbes website during the nomination period.
4. What benefits do companies gain from being on the Forbes Cloud 100? Companies featured on the Cloud 100 gain significant exposure, which can lead to increased investor interest, media coverage, and credibility in the market. It also helps attract top talent and new customers.
5. What industries are represented on the Forbes Cloud 100? The Cloud 100 includes companies from a wide range of industries, including fintech, enterprise software, security, AI, and more. The common thread is that they all provide cloud-based solutions.

6. What Are Some Notable Companies That Have Been Featured on the Forbes Cloud 100?

Over the years, many well-known companies have been featured on the Forbes Cloud 100. Some of these companies have gone on to become major players in the tech industry. Notable examples include:

• Stripe: A financial technology company that offers payment processing solutions.
• Databricks: A data and AI company known for its unified analytics platform.
• Snowflake: A cloud data warehousing company that has revolutionized data management.
• Asana: A work management platform that helps teams organize and manage tasks.
• UiPath: A leader in robotic process automation (RPA).

These companies have made significant impacts in their respective fields and have continued to grow, with some eventually going public or achieving even higher valuations.

7. How Does the Forbes Cloud 100 Impact a Company’s Future?

Being listed on the Forbes Cloud 100 can have a positive impact on a company’s future. The recognition often leads to increased visibility, credibility, and interest from investors, customers, and partners. It can also help attract top talent and provide a competitive edge in the market. Many companies that have been featured on the list have experienced accelerated growth and success following their inclusion.

Conclusion

The Forbes Cloud 100 is a highly anticipated list that showcases the most influential and innovative private cloud companies in the world. These companies are not only transforming the cloud industry but are also driving change across various sectors by leveraging cloud technology. Whether you’re an investor, a customer, or an industry professional, the Cloud 100 is an essential guide to the companies that are shaping the future of the cloud.

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