The Story of Forbes: From a Humble Magazine to a Global Voice of Capitalism
In 1982, Forbes introduced its first Forbes 400 list—a definitive ranking of the richest Americans.
From a Humble Magazine to a Global Voice of Capitalism
📌 Company Name: Forbes
📆 Founded: September 15, 1917
👤 Founder: B.C. Forbes
When you hear the name Forbes, you think of power, wealth, and influence—the iconic Forbes List, the glitzy names, the game-changing entrepreneurs.
But behind the prestige lies a story rooted in grit, ambition, and an immigrant's dream to reshape how the world talks about business.
✍️ Early Beginnings: The Power of the Pen
Bertie Charles Forbes, born in Scotland in 1880, grew up with little—but had a mind that refused to be small. After honing his writing skills in local Scottish newspapers, he set sail for the United States in 1904, determined to carve out a name in the world of journalism.
Arriving with nothing but his typewriter and dreams, B.C. Forbes quickly gained recognition writing for financial publications. But he had bigger plans: he believed business wasn’t just about numbers—it was about people, vision, and leadership.
📰 1917: A Magazine with a Mission
In 1917, amid the backdrop of World War I, B.C. Forbes launched Forbes Magazine, with a bold mission: to chronicle the stories of entrepreneurship, innovation, and capitalism. Its tagline said it all—“The Capitalist Tool.”
Unlike the dry financial reports of the time, Forbes brought a human angle to business journalism. It celebrated visionaries, dissected failures, and emphasized values like integrity and long-term thinking. B.C. Forbes wasn’t just writing about capitalism—he was giving it a soul.
👨👦 A Family Legacy Begins
B.C. Forbes ran the publication with fierce independence. Upon his passing in 1954, his son Malcolm Forbes took the reins.
Malcolm wasn’t just a publisher—he was a showman. With his flashy lifestyle, globe-trotting adventures, and high-profile interviews, he brought Forbes into the cultural mainstream.
He understood that business wasn’t confined to boardrooms—it was a force shaping society. Under his leadership, the magazine began to include lifestyle content, profiles of moguls, and most famously, rankings.
📈 The Lists That Changed the Game
In 1982, Forbes introduced its first Forbes 400 list—a definitive ranking of the richest Americans. It was revolutionary. For the first time, readers could see who held the reins of economic power.
It wasn’t just about envy or admiration—it was about aspiration.
Over the years, the brand expanded its ranking empire:
Forbes Billionaires List
30 Under 30
Most Powerful Women
Global 2000
These lists didn’t just reflect the economy—they shaped it. Being featured on Forbes wasn’t just an honor; it was a validation.
🌐 Reinvention in the Digital Age
Like many print giants, Forbes faced challenges with the rise of digital media. But instead of fading away, Forbes chose to adapt.
It embraced digital early, opening its platform to contributors worldwide—entrepreneurs, academics, experts, and thought leaders.
This bold move turned Forbes into a digital powerhouse, with millions of readers and one of the most visited business sites in the world. It didn’t just survive the digital shift—it thrived.
In 2014, Forbes sold a majority stake to Integrated Whale Media, a Hong Kong–based group, marking a new chapter of global expansion.
🌍 Forbes Today: A Global Symbol
Today, Forbes reaches over 150 million people monthly across print, digital, social, and live events. Its reach spans continents, and its influence stretches far beyond business circles.
From Lagos to London, Mumbai to Manhattan, Forbes stands as a symbol of:
Entrepreneurial spirit
Financial literacy
Leadership
It’s not just about who’s rich—it’s about who’s making a difference.
💡 Lessons from the Forbes Journey
1. Believe in Your Voice
B.C. Forbes wasn’t a mogul—he was a writer with conviction. His belief in humanizing capitalism reshaped business journalism.
2. Reinvention is Key
Forbes didn’t cling to the past. By embracing digital transformation, it ensured its legacy continued into the future.
3. Spotlight Creates Inspiration
Through its lists and stories, Forbes elevated unknown entrepreneurs and celebrated those changing the world—proving that success is possible at any age, from any place.
4. Think Beyond Borders
What started as a magazine in New York is now a global platform, proving that great ideas transcend geography.
🔥 The Legacy Continues
More than a century since its founding, Forbes remains a trusted name in business media—a beacon for dreamers, doers, and disruptors.
From the typewriter of a Scottish immigrant to the smartphones of millions today, its journey is proof that storytelling can shape industries, influence empires, and inspire generations.
So the next time you scroll through a Forbes list or read a feature on an up-and-coming innovator, remember:
This isn’t just media—
It’s a legacy of ambition, reinvention, and the undying belief that capitalism, when humanized, can truly change the world.
Before you go please check our WhatsApp channel and subscribe here