Recently went through the exercise of creating a list of the best* startups in NYC.  The companies ranged from seed funded startups to Pre-IPO companies (so, all are still private).  The process was partially data driven, partially based on word on street and partially based on my interactions with the founders of those companies.  It was really more subjective than anything else.  Ended up coming up with a list of ~60 startups.

Decided not to share the list, as it was really more of exercise to see if it was possible to narrow the list down to manageable number.   The good news is that there are so many exciting companies in NYC, that is was a very tough process to get it down to 60 startups.

One insight I thought would be interesting to share, is which VCs most frequently show up as backing these best* companies:

• Box Group – 7 investments
• First Round Capital – 7
• Lerer Hippeau Ventures – 6
• Thrive Capital – 6
• Google Ventures – 5
• Founder Collective – 5
• Index Ventures – 5
• Accel Partners – 4
• Iconic Capital – 4
• Union Square Ventures – 4
• Wellington Management – 4
• Institutional Venture Partners – 4
• RRE Ventures – 4
• New Enterprise Associates – 4
• Battery Ventures – 4

There were many other VCs that showed up, but the list above reflects the firms that are most active in backing the best* startups.

Now, I think the early stage VCs deserve more credit than the later stage VCs, as the late stage folks have data/revenue to hang their hat on.  So, just take that into account when reviewing the list.

PS If you put together a list of your top 60 NYC startups, happy to meet up in person and debate the list over coffee.

*this list wasn’t produced by any scientific means, was mostly subjective and we will likely disagree on the outcome.  Please send the hate mail to Santa Claus, PO Box North Pole 🙂