The Top 40 under 40 (also known as the Young Elite) is an annual ranking of emerging leaders published by the German business magazine Capital. Since 2007, the list has recognised forty individuals under the age of forty from the fields of management, politics, entrepreneurship, and society who are considered particularly influential or forward-thinking.[1]
The ranking has been published annually in December since its inception. The Capital editorial team selects candidates in four categories: management, politics, entrepreneurship, and society. Selection is based on editorial research and recommendations from experts in politics, business, and executive search.[2] Evaluation criteria include professional achievements, leadership responsibility, and civic engagement. There is no fixed jury; the final decision rests with the Capital editorial board.[3] Awardees are presented both in the magazine’s print edition and on its website.[4][5]
The Capital “Top 40 under 40” Summit 2025 at the Bertelsmann Representation in Berlin
Since 2007, Capital has also hosted the annual Young Elite Summit in Berlin, which brings together current and former honourees. Each event focuses on a central theme such as digitalisation, sustainability, or corporate responsibility and is organised with various corporate partners.[6]
Significance
The Top 40 under 40 is considered one of Germany’s most established rankings for emerging leaders and is frequently compared to international formats such as Forbes 30 Under 30, Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, or Fortune’s 40 Under 40.[7] The recognition is regularly reported by professional, academic, and regional media when members of their organisations are selected.[8][9]
Over time, the initiative has developed into a wide-ranging alumni network that Capital describes as a platform for connecting young leaders across Germany.[10] Universities and companies frequently reference the inclusion of their members to highlight excellence, visibility, and talent development.[11][12][13][14]
Some media commentary has criticised the limited transparency of the selection process, noting that Capital does not publish detailed evaluation criteria or decision-making procedures. Nonetheless, the ranking is widely perceived as a marker of professional accomplishment and civic engagement.
Year lists
The annual lists of the ‘Top 40 under 40’ are well documented for the more recent vintages, while earlier vintages can be traced primarily through print editions and archived media reports. Public and institutional sources confirm the following vintages, among others:
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