On November 22, 2025, Deloitte released its annual “Technology Fast 500” rankings, highlighting the fastest-growing North American companies over a three-year revenue span. These rankings underscore the immense growth potential in the tech sector, with a distinct emphasis on software/services, life sciences, and fintech companies. The report not only sheds light on the companies that are driving innovation and growth but also provides valuable insights for CEOs seeking to replicate their success in the coming years.
A closer look at the fastest-growing companies reveals several recurring themes that seem to characterize their growth trajectories. These themes offer a roadmap for other businesses—especially mid-sized or larger firms—that are seeking to accelerate their own growth in 2026 and beyond.
One of the most striking trends among the top performers is their deep focus on customer needs. The most successful companies tend to concentrate on solving significant, high-pain problems for specific, often underserved, market segments rather than targeting broad, horizontal markets. By narrowing their focus and honing in on specific pain points, these companies are able to create tailored solutions that deliver high value to their target customers. This approach often leads to a more dedicated and loyal customer base, as businesses can demonstrate their deep understanding of their customers’ needs and provide solutions that truly make a difference. For CEOs, the lesson here is clear: identifying and solving niche problems where there is substantial customer demand can be more effective than competing in crowded, generalized markets.
Another key factor driving growth for these firms is their use of platforms. Instead of relying solely on a single product or service, many fast-growing companies build a core platform on which they layer additional services over time. This strategy allows them to create an integrated ecosystem that attracts and retains customers, thereby increasing customer “stickiness” and generating recurring revenue. The ability to continuously add value through new offerings on top of an existing platform not only strengthens customer relationships but also improves the scalability of the business. For CEOs looking to emulate this success, the critical question to ask is: “Which of our assets can be transformed into platforms that can generate more value and facilitate long-term customer engagement?”
Global scalability is also a hallmark of the fastest-growing companies. Even those that started as U.S.-centric businesses are now rapidly expanding their operations overseas. This is largely made possible by adopting modular business models that allow them to scale internationally without needing to completely reinvent their operations for each new market. The flexibility of these business models enables companies to adapt quickly to local market conditions, regulations, and customer preferences. This international expansion is crucial for businesses seeking to maintain high growth levels, as it opens up access to new markets and revenue streams. CEOs must consider how adaptable their current business models are and whether they can be scaled in a modular way to serve global markets efficiently.
Another standout characteristic of high-growth firms is their approach to talent. Unlike traditional models that rely on full-time, permanent employees, many of these companies embrace flexible talent strategies. This includes remote or hybrid work arrangements, the use of gig-based specialists, and even the hiring of fractional executives. Such flexibility in talent acquisition allows these companies to scale quickly without the overhead costs associated with a traditional workforce. It also gives them access to a broader pool of specialized skills, which is particularly valuable as they expand into new markets and sectors. For CEOs, this insight suggests that adopting a more fluid and adaptable approach to talent acquisition can help reduce costs and improve scalability, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
For CEOs of mid-sized or larger firms, the message is clear: the key to sustainable, high-growth trajectories lies in combining a strong platform strategy, a global vision, an unwavering focus on customer needs, and an adaptive, flexible approach to talent. The next step for leadership teams is to begin thinking strategically about these areas. Boards and executives should ask themselves several critical questions: Which of our existing assets can be transformed into platforms? What unique problems can we solve that others cannot? How easily can we adapt our business model to scale internationally? What talent strategies can we employ to stay nimble and cost-effective during our growth phase?
By aligning their operations with these principles, CEOs can create a growth blueprint that is repeatable and scalable, setting their companies on a path toward success in 2026 and beyond. The fastest-growing tech firms of today provide a clear example of how these strategies can be leveraged to achieve rapid and sustained growth. The challenge for other businesses will be to adapt these lessons to their own unique contexts, ensuring they can remain competitive in an increasingly global and fast-evolving market.
