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The '''Inc. 5000''' is an annual list of the 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, published by ''[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]]'' magazine. The list ranks companies based on their percentage revenue growth over a three-year period.<ref name="inc_about2">[https://www.inc.com/inc5000/apply About the Inc. 5000]. ''Inc.''. Retrieved 8 October 2025.</ref>

The list is a subset of the broader "Inc. 500", which was first published in 1982. The expansion to 5,000 companies in 2007 was intended to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the landscape of American entrepreneurship. Gaining a rank on the Inc. 5000 is widely considered a significant mark of success for a young company.<ref name="forbes_significance2">Kasanoff, Bruce (13 August 2015). [https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucekasanoff/2015/08/13/why-the-inc-5000-is-harder-to-get-into-than-harvard/ Why The Inc. 5000 Is Harder To Get Into Than Harvard]. ''Forbes''. Retrieved 8 October 2025.</ref>

== History ==
''Inc.'' magazine first introduced its ranking of fast-growing companies in 1979 as the "Inc. 100". In 1982, the list was expanded to become the '''Inc. 500''', which specifically showcased the top 500 fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S.<ref name="inc_history2">Popovici, Alice (12 September 2016). [https://www.inc.com/alice-popovici/inc-500-35th-anniversary.html A look back at 35 years of the Inc. 500]. ''Inc.''. Retrieved 8 October 2025.</ref>

In 2007, the list was expanded significantly to the '''Inc. 5000''' to better capture the breadth of successful private companies. The original Inc. 500 continues to exist as the most elite tier of the Inc. 5000 list, representing the top 10% of the ranked companies.<ref name="inc_about2" />

== Methodology ==
To be eligible for the Inc. 5000, a company must meet several criteria in a given application year. The ranking itself is determined by the overall percentage of revenue growth over a three-year period. Key eligibility requirements include:<ref name="inc_methodology2">[https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2025/methodology.html Inc. 5000 Methodology]. ''Inc.''. Retrieved 8 October 2025.</ref>

* Must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent (not a subsidiary or division of another company).
* Must have started earning revenue by the first week of the starting calendar year.
* Must have a minimum revenue in the base year (e.g., $100,000 for the 2024 list's base year of 2020).
* Must have a minimum revenue in the most recent calendar year (e.g., $2 million for the 2024 list's recent year of 2023).

Companies apply for consideration, and ''Inc.'' verifies the reported revenues before publishing the list.

== Significance and notable alumni ==
The Inc. 5000 is often seen as a predictor of future business success and a major milestone for entrepreneurs. Many well-known public companies were first recognized on the Inc. 500 or Inc. 5000 lists early in their growth. Notable alumni include:<ref name="inc_history2" /><ref name="notable_alumni2">Vaglica, Laura. [https://www.inc.com/ss/inc-500-household-names From the Inc. 500 to household names]. ''Inc.''. Retrieved 8 October 2025.</ref>

* [[Microsoft]]
* [[Oracle Corporation|Oracle]]
* [[Domino's Pizza]]
* [[Intuit]]
* [[Patagonia (company)|Patagonia]]
* [[Pandora (streaming service)|Pandora]]
* [[Under Armour]]
* [[Zappos]]

== See also ==

* [[Deloitte Technology Fast 500]]
* ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' 500
* ''[[Forbes]]'' Global 2000

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Official website|https://www.inc.com/inc5000}}