ÄKTA, the innovative Chicago-based mobile UX / UI firm, has cracked the top 500 (#414) on the prestigious Inc. 5000, a ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.
“ÄKTA’s recognition on this prestigious list is proof of the great momentum building among Chicago’s small and medium sized businesses. Companies thrive here due to the city’s diverse economy, easy access to the world, and unmatched talent base,” said World Business Chicago President & CEO Jeff Malehorn in a release.
Founded in 2010, ÄKTA is a national leader in user experience and engagement consultancy, specializing in mobile products. Over the past three year, the firm has seen overall growth of 1,147%. Building on this momentum, ÄKTA plans to expand geographically and add to its team.
"We look forward to continuing this growth, especially as mobile engagement becomes increasingly critical to the long-term digital strategy of leading brands,” said CEO John Roa.
ÄKTA joins 8 other Chicago companies in the top 500 - including MAX Digital (51), Insureon (107), and Protein Bar (200) - and is one of 95 Windy City businesses in the 5000. Chicago has the second most companies on the list - behind New York's 205 - and moved up from fourth last year, leapfrogging LA and DC.
Because the list is determined by growth instead of size, its tends to be a rather volatile ranking with significant changes year after year; for example, LA and DC didn't even make the Top 10 this year. The city's standing in the top four for two years running is a testament to its steady growth and healthy innovation ecosystem.
