Technology Fast 500^TM: Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Technology Fast 500™ program? 
Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ program is a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and clean technology companies across North America. The categories are

• Biotechnology/pharmaceutical
• Clean technology
• Communications/networking
• Computers/peripherals
• Internet
• Semiconductor
• Medical equipment
• Media and entertainment
• Scientific/technical instrumentation
• Software
  

The ranking includes both public and private companies. See full eligibility requirements  here. 

What is the Technology Fast 500™ ranking based on? 
The Technology Fast 500™ ranks companies based on the percentage of fiscal year revenue growth over a five-year period. Because the program ranks companies based on fiscal year revenues, it is an indication of past growth. It does not take into account current performance or profitability.

Where do entries for the program come from? 
Entries for the program come from nominations submitted directly to the Technology Fast 500™ program and public company database research.

Is there a nomination fee? 
No.

How do companies qualify?
To be eligible, a company must meet the following requirements:

1. Be in business five years
   
2. Be headquartered within North America
   • Subsidiaries or divisions are not eligible unless they have some public ownership and are separately traded
     
3. Fiscal year 2004 operating revenues must be at least $50,000 USD; Fiscal year 2008 operating revenues must be at least $5,000,000 USD
   • Revenues must have more than doubled from 2004 - 2008
   • Companies must be willing to publicly publish these revenues
4. Companies are required to submit audited financial statements or pages 1 & 2 of signed federal tax return as submitted to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
   
5. Must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues
   • Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify
   • Consulting companies, professional service firms, etc. are not eligible unless they have proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of their operating revenues

Does a company have to be publicly held to qualify for the Technology Fast 500™?
No, but private companies must provide a nomination form that contains financial information, as well as supporting documentation, such as audited financial statements or signed corporate tax returns.

Do I need to submit tax returns or financial statements for all five years? 
No, you need to submit financial documentation only for the fiscal year end (FYE) 2004 and FYE 2008.

Why do I need to submit audited financial statements?
We request your audited financial statements to assist us in evaluating your application and administer the North America Technology Fast 500™ awards program. Candidates are evaluated by Deloitte according to the eligibility requirements. The use of these documents is restricted to Deloitte and the Technology Fast 500™ Nomination Committee. For additional details on our privacy policy, please contact fast500@deloitte.com.

Are revenues published for the Technology Fast 500™ program? 
Yes, both the base year (FYE 2004) and current year (FYE 2008) operating revenues are published for the Fast 500 along with the percentage revenue growth over five years. A company must agree to have revenues disclosed/published in publications determined by us to be eligible for the Technology Fast 500™.

How long has the Technology Fast 500™ been in existence? 
The Technology Fast 500™  was founded in 1995 and celebrates its sixteenth year in 2009.

Have any companies continuously been on the Technology Fast 500™ list since the inception of the program? 
No.

Is there a list of past Technology Fast 500™ winners? 
Yes. A listing of the winners dates back five years and is available  here.

Why are there not more repeat companies on the Technology Fast 500™ list? 
Because the Technology Fast 500™ is based on fiscal year revenue growth over five years, each company’s baseline revenue can increase dramatically each year. A company can be very successful but not rank on the Technology Fast 500™. The Technology Fast 500™ ranks companies that have experienced exceptionally fast growth. It is not a measurement of current revenue, stock performance, profitability, or anticipated future success.

Are there similar programs around the world? 
Yes. Deloitte has Fast 500 programs in  Asia Pacific and  EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).

What happened to the Fast 50 and Rising Star programs? 
In response to collective feedback from the marketplace, Deloitte has decided to sharpen its focus and acknowledge local companies who placed on the North American Technology Fast 500™ list. As a result, Deloitte will no longer present a list of the 50 fastest growing companies in certain geographic areas or recognize companies that have been in business less than five years, but will instead encourage local companies to compete for a spot on the national Technology Fast 500™ list. For more information on eligibility requirements see above. For information on Technology Fast 500™ award events and activities in your area, please visit the  Fast 500 regional contacts page.

Who are the primary contacts? 

In the United States, Dina Bettinsoli, Fast500@deloitte.com 

In Canada, Rachel Franklin, RaFranklin@deloitte.ca

_{As used in this document, ‘Deloitte’ means Deloitte LLP (and its subsidiaries). Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.}

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