Applications open October 1. Get first access.
50 emerging AI founders shaping what’s next
Selected early for the strength of what they’re building, the momentum behind it, and their potential to become category-defining companies.
Built for Signal
The best companies are often being built before everyone is paying attention. The AI List is designed to find them early — recognizing exceptional founders and builders with strong products, clear execution, and the potential to shape the future of AI.
OCT 1,2026
Applications Open
NOV 20,2026
Applications Close
JAN 10, 2027
Honorees Revealed
Last year’s judges, from left: Armon Dadgar, Co-Founder and CTO of HashiCorp; Dustin Moskovitz (Co-founder; Asana, Facebook), Dr. Fei-Fei Li (Co-founder + CEO, World Labs); Sridhar Ramaswamy (CEO, Snowflake), Ion Stoica (Co-founder, Databricks; Professor of Computer Science – UC Berkeley), Emily Chang (Host + Executive Producer, Bloomberg “The Circuit”)
More Than Recognition
Recognition is only the beginning. The AI List brings exceptional founders into a broader network of investors, operators, customers, and peers — creating the visibility and connections that can help turn early momentum into something much bigger.
Past Honorees
Chris Andrew
Co-Founder/CEO, Scrunch AI
Founder sold his AI analytics startup to Sitecore for $225 million
Amrita Bhasin
Co-Founder/CEO, Sotira
Named Forbes 30 Under 30, SF Business Times 40 Under 40 and selected for OpenAI’s ChatGPT Futures program
Uday Kiran Chaka
Founder, Sentry AI
AI security startup tripled revenue and deployed at Tesla, stopping all reported theft and intrusion
Eshani Mehta
Founder, Lumari
Took her supply chain AI platform through Y Combinator and onto a Times Square billboard
João Moura
CEO, CrewAI
Has enterprise deployments running across organizations including Pepsico, DocuSign, and the U.S. Department of Defense
Neda Mansoorian
Founder/CEO, Fullproof.ai
Built and deployed the first real-time AI witness examination tool, now used in depositions at Fortune 500 legal departments
FAQ
The AI List has a new home: Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List
The AI List has a new home. The Mayfield | Divot AI List is becoming the Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List.
As we’ve built this year’s List, we’ve focused increasingly on the founders and builders creating the next generation of AI companies — which makes Startup Grind, and our global founder community, the natural home for it.
Who can be considered for the Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List?
The List focuses on emerging founders building AI-native companies, along with a limited number of exceptional builders. Bootstrapped and angel-backed companies are eligible, and companies may have raised up to one institutional round. Accelerator funding does not count toward this limit.
What is the selection process for the Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List?
Candidates are identified through applications, nominations, and proactive sourcing. Startup Grind and Mayfield review the full pool and create a shortlist for the judges. The final 50 honorees are selected based on the strength of their work and future potential.
How do I apply or nominate someone for the Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List?
Complete the application form between October 1 and November 20, 2026. You can submit your own information or recommend someone whose work should be considered.
Can I apply for the Mayfield | Startup Grind AI List myself?
Yes. Eligible founders can apply directly. You do not need an invitation or nomination to be considered.
What do the honorees receive?
Honorees will be recognized and featured across Mayfield, Divot, and Startup Grind through dedicated content and ongoing promotion. Additional opportunities will be shared directly with those selected.