Forbes
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, Publishing |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Founder | B. C. Forbes |
| Headquarters | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
Key people | Steve Forbes (Chairman and Editor-in-Chief) Sherry Phillips (CEO) Will Adamopoulos (CEO/Asia) Nina Gould (Chief Innovation Officer) |
| Products | Forbes magazine, Forbes.com, Forbes Asia, Forbes Europe |
| Owner | Integrated Whale Media Investments |
| Website | www |
Forbes is an American media and publishing company known for its business magazine, Forbes, which focuses on finance, industry, investing, marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. Founded in 1917 by B. C. Forbes, the company is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, and has been owned by Hong Kong-based Integrated Whale Media Investments since 2014.[1] The magazine is published eight times per year and is renowned for its lists and rankings, such as the Forbes 400, Forbes 30 Under 30, and the World’s Most Powerful Women.[2]
History
Forbes was established in 1917 by B. C. Forbes, a Scottish-American financial journalist.[1] The magazine initially focused on business and financial news, gaining prominence for its in-depth reporting and rankings. In 2014, Integrated Whale Media Investments, a Hong Kong-based investment group, acquired a majority stake in Forbes Media to accelerate its global expansion.[3] Under this ownership, Forbes expanded its digital presence and diversified its platforms, including Forbes.com, conferences, and social media.[2]
In January 2025, Sherry Phillips was appointed as CEO of Forbes, marking a new phase in the company’s leadership strategy to drive growth and innovation.[4] The company has also expanded its international footprint, with editions in Asia and licensed publications in 27 countries and regions.[1]
Operations
Forbes operates as a global media company, reaching over 94 million people monthly through its magazines, digital platforms, and events.[2] The company publishes Forbes, Forbes Asia, and Forbes Europe, alongside its flagship website, Forbes.com. It also hosts events like the Forbes Global CEO Conference, led by Will Adamopoulos, CEO of Forbes Media Asia.[1]
Forbes is recognized for its thought leadership through Forbes Insights, a strategic research division that produces data-driven reports for C-suite executives and business leaders.[5] The company has embraced digital transformation, with Nina Gould, Chief Innovation Officer, leading efforts to enhance digital content and user experiences across web, mobile, and emerging platforms.[1]
Lists and Rankings
Forbes is widely known for its influential lists, which include:
- Forbes 400: A ranking of the wealthiest Americans.
- Forbes 30 Under 30: Highlighting young entrepreneurs and innovators under 30 years old.
- World’s Most Powerful Women: Curated by Moira Forbes, this list recognizes influential women in business and leadership.[1]
- America’s Best Startup Employers: A list evaluating startup companies based on reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth.[6]
- AI 50 List: Spotlights AI-driven startups, such as Anysphere, Speak, and OpenEvidence, which are shaping the future of AI.[7]
These lists are compiled using quantitative algorithms and qualitative assessments, often involving millions of data points from articles, social media, and employee reviews.[6]
Digital and Social Media Presence
Forbes has a robust digital footprint, with Forbes.com ranking among the top 30 most-visited websites in the United States.[1] The company leverages social media platforms like LinkedIn to engage its audience, with over 17 million followers on its official LinkedIn page.[2] Forbes has also ventured into e-commerce and content marketing, offering premium profiles and sponsored content to amplify brand visibility.[8]
Startup and Technology Coverage
Forbes extensively covers startups and technology, reporting on venture capital funding, unicorn companies, and emerging trends like AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Its AI 50 List highlights startups such as Anysphere, valued at $2.5 billion, and xAI, which has raised $12.1 billion in funding.[7] Forbes also partners with firms like Statista to evaluate startups for its America’s Best Startup Employers list, focusing on metrics like employee engagement and company culture.[6]
The company’s coverage of startup ecosystems includes collaborations with Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator, and reports on unicorn companies tracked by organizations like CB Insights.[7][9] Forbes has also noted the rise of AI startups like Thinking Machine Labs, founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, which is reportedly raising $1 billion.[7]
Controversies
Forbes has faced scrutiny over its business practices, including allegations of copyright infringement in AI training data used by startups featured in its lists.[7] Additionally, its digital strategies, such as sponsored content and premium profiles, have sparked debates about editorial independence.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Who We Are". Forbes. 2025-07-14. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Forbes - LinkedIn". LinkedIn. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ "Forbes: What It Is, History, Considerations". Investopedia. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ ITNewsAfrica (2025-08-04). "Forbes Announces Bold Leadership Moves to Fuel Growth and Innovation". IT News Africa. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ "Forbes Insights". Forbes. 2022-10-27. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Forbes 2025 America's Best Startup Employers". Forbes. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Forbes 2025 AI 50 List". Forbes. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Forbes Connect". Forbes. 2023-07-14. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ↑ "Y Combinator". Y Combinator. 2025-04-18. Retrieved 2025-08-05.