Is Craig Venter A-List?
NoB
No — Craig Venter is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1998
Founds Celera Genomics
Lost A-list status in 2026
Dropped to B tier — Continues Genomic Research
Ranking Timeline
1992C$0.1M
Sequences First Genome (Hib)
Early success in genomic sequencing.
1995B▲$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M
Sequences First Free-Living Organism
Breakthrough in genomic science.
1998A▲$1M+$0.7M
Founds Celera Genomics
Enters race to sequence human genome.
2000A$5M+$4M
Human Genome Sequencing Announced
Significant milestone in genomics.
2010A$7M+$2M
Creates Synthetic Cell
Major achievement in synthetic biology.
2026B▼$10M+$3M
Continues Genomic Research
Venter is still involved in genetics, but is past his peak influence.
Last updated: February 25, 2026