Companies with highest investor demand so far this year
Private market activity continues to be shaped by a supply-demand imbalance. One of the clearest signals of this dynamic is buy-side demand, reflected in the volume of bids placed on the Forge marketplace. So far this year, the number of outstanding bids has far exceeded the number of asks.
For shareholders, understanding where investor demand is concentrated can be particularly valuable, as it may signal potential liquidity opportunities in an otherwise constrained exit environment.
For investors, these same signals can serve as an important indicator of market sentiment, as strong demand may reflect confidence in a company’s growth trajectory.
Below, we highlight ten companies currently seeing some of the highest investor demand on Forge this year.
SpaceX, an aerospace company
Starbase, Texas-based SpaceX continues to rank among the most in-demand private companies on Forge’s marketplace. As one of the most valuable private companies in the world, SpaceX’s dominance in both launch services and satellite internet through Starlink has made it a likely cornerstone holding for private market participants.
Recent reports suggest the company is moving closer to a potential IPO, with speculation that this could happen within the year. Some reports indicate the aerospace firm could aim to raise up to $80 billion at a valuation of over $1 trillion, which would rank among the larger public debuts on record if completed.1
Founded in 2002, SpaceX’s Forge Price™ is $607.54, implying a valuation of $1.45 trillion as of April 17, 2026. The company’s roster of investors includes Fidelity Investments, Alphabet, Founders Fund and 137 Ventures. SpaceX is included as one of Forge’s Private Magnificent 7 companies.
Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company
San Francisco-based Anthropic has emerged as one of the leading players in frontier AI, driving strong investor demand on Forge’s marketplace. As competition in large language models intensifies, Anthropic’s positioning as a safety-focused AI developer may be resonating strategically with investors.
The AI firm has continued its product innovation, recently releasing its coding agent, Claude Code, alongside its software security program, Mythos. Last week, it was reported that the private company was expanding its UK presence with new office space and 600 additional employees focused on research, development and enterprise marketing.2
Founded in 2021, Anthropic’s Forge Price™ is $259.14, implying a valuation of $380.01 billion as of April 17, 2026. The company’s notable investors include Coatue Management, Blackstone, Google and Salesforce Ventures. Anthropic is one of Forge’s Private Magnificent 7 companies.
Anduril, a leader in defense technology
Costa Mesa, California-based Anduril is seeing elevated investor demand as defense technology becomes an increasingly important theme in the private market. The company specializes in autonomous systems and AI-driven defense platforms.
Growing geopolitical tensions and increased defense spending globally may be contributing to heightened investor interest. Most recently, the company was selected by the US Department of Defense to develop space-based interceptors designed to track and eliminate missiles from orbit. Anduril is expected to work on the project with satellite startup Impulse Space.3
Founded in 2017, Anduril’s Forge Price™ is $111.71 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $84.63 billion. The firm’s VC investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Sands Capital and 8VC. Anduril is a Forge Private Magnificent 7 company.
OpenAI, an AI research and development company
San Francisco-based OpenAI remains one of the most sought-after private companies globally, consistently drawing high investor demand on the Forge marketplace. Founded in 2015, OpenAI’s products, including ChatGPT, have become foundational to the broader AI ecosystem, reaching upwards of 900 million weekly active users.4
Like its rivals, OpenAI has been aggressively launching new products. Earlier this month, the private company unveiled GPT-5.4 Cyber, designed to enhance enterprise cybersecurity software.5 The announcement followed Anthropic’s release of a similar product, Mythos. It was also recently reported that OpenAI is exploring the introduction of digital advertising within ChatGPT.6
OpenAI’s Forge Price™ is $715.37 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $852 billion. Its investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Nvidia, Sequoia Capital and Thrive Capital. OpenAI is a Forge Private Magnificent 7 company.
Databricks, a data and AI platform company
San Francisco-based Databricks continues to generate strong investor demand as enterprises increasingly prioritize data infrastructure and AI integration. The company’s unified analytics platform has positioned it as a critical enabler of modern data workflows.
Historically focused on data processing, the company is now expanding into cybersecurity software. In March, Databricks launched Lakewatch, an agent-based platform that helps businesses detect and defend against security threats.7
Founded in 2013, Databricks’ Forge Price™ is $196.31 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $135.28 billion. Its investors include Insight Partners, JPMorgan, Fidelity and Andreessen Horowitz. Databricks is one of Forge’s Private Magnificent 7 companies.
Cerebras, an AI hardware company
Cerebras is attracting growing investor interest as demand for specialized AI hardware accelerates. Based in Sunnyvale, California, the company’s wafer-scale computing approach differentiates it from traditional chipmakers by offering high-performance solutions for large-scale AI workloads.
Recently, the chip startup received a reported $20 billion investment from OpenAI, which would allow OpenAI to power its servers using Cerebras’ chips. The deal follows an earlier agreement under which OpenAI purchased 750 megawatts of computing power from Cerebras.8
Founded in 2016, Cerebras’ Forge Price™ is $107.95 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $27.89 billion. Notable investors include Tiger Global Management, Sequoia Capital, Benchmark and Eclipse Ventures.
Saronic, a defense and autonomy company
Saronic is seeing rising investor demand as autonomous maritime systems gain strategic importance. The company focuses on developing unmanned surface vehicles for defense applications.
In March, the Austin, Texas-based company raised a $1.75 billion funding round that valued the business at $9.25 billion. The funding followed a partnership announcement with the American Bureau of Shipping focused on enhancing autonomous surface vessel capabilities.9
Founded in 2022, Saronic’s Forge Price™ is $29.62 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $9.45 billion. The startup’s investors include Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, General Catalyst and Bessemer Venture Partners.
Perplexity, an AI powered search company
San Francisco-based Perplexity has quickly become one of the most in-demand AI application companies on the Forge marketplace. Its conversational search platform reflects a shift toward AI-native information discovery.
The company has recently pivoted toward enterprise AI agents designed to support day-to-day workflows. In April, it was reported that the company’s revenue increased 50% in a single month following these product changes, bringing annual recurring revenue to $450 million.10
Founded in 2022, Perplexity’s Forge Price™ is $69.54 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $20.39 billion. The company has raised capital from SoftBank, Camford Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners and T. Rowe Price.
Groq, an AI inference infrastructure company
Groq has been gaining investor interest as demand for AI inference solutions continues to scale. The company focuses on high-speed, low-latency processing for real-time AI applications.
In February, it was reported that Groq was supplying chips for a new processor manufactured by Nvidia. The new inference computing system will help AI companies like OpenAI and others build faster and more efficient tools for their clients.11
Founded in 2016, Groq’s Forge Price™ is $29.77 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $6.36 billion. Investors include BlackRock, Tiger Global Management, D1 Capital Partners and TDK Ventures.
Shield AI, a defense technology company
San Diego, California-based Shield AI is emerging as a high-demand defense technology company, driven by investor interest in autonomous systems and AI-powered military applications. The company develops AI software and autonomous aircraft designed to operate in complex environments without direct human control.
In March, Shield AI announced its acquisition of software simulation company Aechelon. According to the company, the acquisition will allow it to more efficiently test and improve its autonomous aircraft solutions.12
Founded in 2015, Shield AI’s Forge Price™ is $153.68 as of April 17, 2026, implying a valuation of $10.46 billion. Its investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures, Breyer Capital and Snowpoint Ventures.
