How AI Is Redefining the Forbes 2023 Cloud Computing Top 100

Forbes' 2023 Cloud Computing Top 100 list highlights high‑growth, pre‑IPO cloud companies worldwide, but this year few Chinese firms made the cut.

Released as the eighth edition, the list reflects major shifts: about 18 months ago these firms were expanding rapidly, yet the rise of artificial intelligence has become a competing force, and companies that can harness AI are poised for further growth and may reshape the rankings.

The debut of OpenAI at the top underscores AI's impact, accompanied by 16 new entrants, many of which are AI startups such as Anthropic, Abnormal Security and Midjourney benefiting from a global board‑level AI surge. The surge also boosted established AI infrastructure providers, with Databricks moving to #2—overtaking Stripe—and Dataiku climbing to #44, up 33 places. Bessemer reports that 55% of this year’s cloud‑100 companies have integrated generative AI into their products.

Even leading cloud firms face headwinds; several have announced layoffs or valuation cuts, and few are pursuing IPOs. Nonetheless, some are accelerating, such as Rubrik at #9 (up 22 spots with annual recurring revenue exceeding $500 million) and Wiz at #15 (up 67 spots, becoming one of the fastest‑growing software companies and the cover story).

Diversity remains limited: only six CEOs on the list are women, down from eight the previous year.

Below is the complete Forbes 2023 Cloud Computing Top 100 list.