Few names carry as much weight in the business world as Forbes. Whether it’s a headline about the world’s richest people, a “30 Under 30” list, or a company profile that lends instant credibility, Forbes has spent over a century shaping how the public understands wealth, business, and success. But what exactly is Forbes, who owns it today, and why does its name still carry so much influence in 2026?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Forbes — its history, ownership, most famous rankings, and how it earned its reputation as one of the most trusted names in business media.
What Is Forbes?
Forbes is an American business media company that publishes news and analysis on finance, investing, entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, and affluent lifestyles. Beyond its print magazine, Forbes operates one of the most visited business websites in the world, forbes.com, along with international editions, events, and licensed local versions published in dozens of countries.
Forbes is best known for two things: in-depth business journalism and its signature rankings, like the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans and the annual list of global billionaires. These lists have become cultural benchmarks, often cited by other news outlets, governments, and businesses as a shorthand for financial success.
The History of Forbes
Founding and Early Years
Forbes was founded in 1917 by Bertie Charles (“B.C.”) Forbes, a Scottish-born financial journalist who had previously written business columns for William Randolph Hearst’s newspapers. The first issue launched on September 15, 1917, under the original title “Forbes: Devoted to Doers and Doings.” B.C. Forbes partnered with Walter Drey, who brought publishing expertise from his time at the Magazine of Wall Street, while Forbes served as editor-in-chief until his death in 1954.
What set Forbes apart from competitors was its focus on the people behind the numbers. Rather than simply reporting market data, the magazine profiled business leaders and examined their decision-making, a format that built lasting reader trust and helped Forbes stand out through decades of competition from titles like Business Week and Fortune.
Growth Into a Media Empire
Over the following decades, the Forbes family expanded the brand well beyond its original print magazine, adding international editions, conferences, and digital platforms. Steve Forbes, B.C. Forbes’ great-grandson, took over as chairman and editor-in-chief and remains the public face of the brand today, even as ownership has shifted over time.
Who Owns Forbes Today?
Forbes has been privately held since 2014, when the Forbes family sold a majority stake to the Hong Kong-based investment group Integrated Whale Media Investment. That group holds a controlling 51% stake, with Highlander Management serving as a co-owner and the Forbes family retaining a minority interest. A proposed $800 million acquisition of Forbes by entrepreneur Austin Russell fell through in late 2023, and ownership has remained stable since.
Despite the change in majority ownership, the Forbes name and editorial identity have stayed intact. Steve Forbes continues to serve as chairman and editor-in-chief, while day-to-day operations are led by CEO Sherry Phillips.
Where Forbes Is Based
Forbes is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, and operates as a global company, reaching audiences in more than 70 countries through its website, licensed local editions, and events business.
Forbes’ Most Famous Rankings
Forbes’ rankings are arguably its biggest cultural export, shaping conversations about wealth and success far beyond the business world.
The Forbes 400 and Billionaires List
The Forbes 400 ranks the wealthiest people in the United States, while its global billionaires list tracks the richest individuals worldwide. Both lists rely on rigorous financial analysis of public holdings, private business valuations, and real estate, making them one of the most cited wealth benchmarks in media.
30 Under 30
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list highlights young entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals across industries like finance, media, and technology. It’s become a career milestone for many honorees, often boosting their visibility and credibility in their respective fields.
Best Employers and Company Rankings
Forbes also publishes rankings like America’s Best Employers and its list of the world’s most valuable brands, which companies frequently reference in recruiting materials and investor communications.
Why Forbes Still Matters in Business Media
In an era of fragmented news and shrinking trust in traditional media, Forbes has maintained relevance by leaning into its rankings, contributor network, and digital-first strategy. Its open contributor platform — which allows outside experts to publish under the Forbes banner — has expanded its content volume significantly, though it has also drawn scrutiny over editorial consistency at times.
Still, being featured in Forbes remains a recognizable credibility marker for entrepreneurs and businesses, often used in marketing materials, investor pitches, and press coverage.
How to Get Featured in Forbes
For businesses and individuals looking to build credibility through Forbes coverage, a few approaches tend to work best:
- Pitch a genuinely newsworthy story to a relevant Forbes reporter or contributor covering your industry.
- Apply for relevant award lists, such as 30 Under 30 or industry-specific rankings, when nominations open.
- Build relationships with contributors who write regularly about your field, since many accept expert commentary or guest contributions.
- Avoid pay-to-play schemes promising guaranteed Forbes placement — legitimate coverage is earned through newsworthiness, not payment.
Final Thoughts
Forbes has evolved from a single business magazine into a global media brand built on rankings, reporting, and reputation. Understanding its history and ownership helps explain why a Forbes byline or list placement still carries so much weight — and why, over a century after its founding, the name remains synonymous with business success.