Poets&Quants has unveiled its annual list of the 100 highest-funded MBA startups for 2024. The list features startups founded between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, with at least one MBA founder. The ranking is based on the amount of funding each startup has raised over the past five years.
Capchase, co-founded by INSEAD MBA graduate Luis Basagoiti Marqués, tops this year’s list. The company, founded in 2020, has raised $1.1 billion in funding. Capchase offers SaaS companies capital based on future recurring revenue and has funneled over $2 billion to more than 4,000 companies.
In second place is Tamara, co-founded by London Business School alum Abdulmohsen Al Babtain. Tamara has raised $955.6 million since its launch in 2020. The company offers interest-free installment payments at over 26,000 partner stores.
The top 10 startups represent various business schools and industries.
Capchase leads MBA startup rankings
Notable entries include Kyte from UC Berkeley Haas, Merama from Harvard Business School, Ajaib from Stanford GSB, MBX Biosciences from UCLA Anderson, AtoB from UC Berkeley Haas, Pathway Homes from UCLA Anderson, and Forum Brand and Arc Technologies, both from Stanford GSB.
This year’s list also highlights the growing presence of women-led startups. More than 23 startups on the list were founded by women, collectively raising $756.5 million. This statistic underscores the increasing diversity and inclusivity in the startup world and the impact of MBA programs in fostering female entrepreneurship.
The 100 highest-funded MBA startups raised nearly $7 billion in 2024, reflecting a tough venture capital landscape. Despite macroeconomic pressures and regulatory hurdles, there are significant opportunities in sectors like climate tech, health tech, AI, and digital transformation, especially with government support and a shift towards sustainability and profitability. Harvard Business School boasts 15 MBA-founded startups on the 2024 list.
Historically, Stanford has produced the highest-funded MBA startups since 2014, with notable exceptions. INSEAD has topped the list three years in a row with startups like Capchase and Gorillas, joining billion-dollar companies such as Sofi. The complete list, featuring detailed profiles of all 100 top startups, can be viewed on the Poets&Quants website.
As part of Times Higher Education, Poets&Quants continues to be a crucial platform for coverage of graduate business education, empowering its community with essential information for navigating the MBA journey and beyond.
