[jdross]

[I'm a founder of a company on the list, and know the creator Chris as a result.]

He's a student, and has been interviewing a broad swath of VCs, students, and founders to create this list for the past few years. As far as I know, he has no financial upside in any of the companies on this list. In the past, the site has asked for (optional) referral bonuses if candidates find the company through the site. That seems fair given the work involved in creating and maintaining this, but arguably that could be worth a disclaimer?

To many engineers and students, the breakout list brand already means something.

I think you're being too cynical – it's closer to a passion project and I respect that he keeps the site about the companies and not about himself.