Forbes has revealed that artificial intelligence is responsible for nearly half of the $1.1 trillion valuation attributed to the 2025 Forbes Cloud 100, a ranking of the world’s top 100 private cloud companies. This marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing AI-driven transformation of the cloud computing sector, as highlighted by the collaborative evaluation process led by Forbes and Bessemer Venture Partners. The Cloud 100 assessment considered companies across four key criteria: market leadership (35%), estimated valuation (30%), operating metrics (20%), and people & culture (15%). For the first time, the collective value of the listed companies has exceeded $1 trillion, with AI emerging as a central driver of innovation and growth [2].
Among the standout performers, Abnormal AI, an AI-native cybersecurity firm, has climbed into the top 20 of the Cloud 100 for the first time, a testament to its recent expansion and technological advancements. The company launched autonomous AI agents, expanded its presence to Japan, and achieved FedRAMP Moderate Authorization in just 256 days. These developments underscore the growing integration of AI in enterprise-level solutions, particularly in security contexts where AI is increasingly used to detect and neutralize sophisticated threats [2].
Evan Reiser, CEO of Abnormal AI, emphasized the necessity for security systems to evolve alongside AI-driven threats. He noted that attackers are becoming faster and more dangerous, and that traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. The company’s AI-native platform is designed to counter these threats with precision while reducing the operational burden on security teams. This strategic approach has helped Abnormal AI maintain its place on the Cloud 100 for three consecutive years [2].
The broader implications of AI’s role in the Cloud 100 extend beyond individual companies. According to Elliott Robinson, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, the 2025 cohort exemplifies how AI is fundamentally reshaping the competitive landscape in the cloud sector. The ability of companies to leverage AI for scalable innovation has become a critical factor in their valuation and market positioning. As a result, firms with strong AI capabilities are increasingly dominating the industry, reflecting a shift toward data-driven and automation-centric business models [2].
The 2025 Cloud 100 also highlights the growing importance of cross-industry collaboration and policy initiatives in supporting AI development. While the White House has not directly participated in the Cloud 100 evaluation, its Task Force on AI Education has been working to prepare the next generation of AI professionals. In a related development, First Lady Melania Trump reiterated the White House’s commitment to responsible AI growth, stressing the need for watchful guidance during the early stages of AI development. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in AI innovation [1].
Source: [1] First Lady Melania Trump Hosts a Meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/09/first-lady-melania-trump-hosts-a-meeting-of-the-white-house-task-force-on-artificial-intelligence-education/) [2] Abnormal AI Secures Spot on Forbes 2025 Cloud 100 for … (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/abnormal-ai-secures-spot-forbes-142500596.html)
