NEW YORK, August 12, 2025 – Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced that DragonSpears is No. 3776 on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.
“Being named to the Inc. 5000 for the fifth consecutive year is an incredible honor—and it wouldn’t be possible without the trust of our clients, the support of our partners, and the dedication of our amazing team. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey with us. As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to be growing alongside Improving and continuing to build something greater together. This milestone is a reflection of the people who show up every day with integrity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence.” Patrick Emmons, Former CEO of DragonSpears & President of Improving Chicago
This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees have demonstrated exceptional growth while navigating economic uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and a fluctuating labor market. Among the top 500 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate reached 1,552 percent, and those companies have collectively added more than 48,678 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.
For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.
“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”
Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2025 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 22–24 in Phoenix, and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. magazine.
About DragonSpears
DragonSpears, a leading innovator in the custom software industry, continues to earn recognition for our commitment to excellence, security, and culture. For five consecutive years, we’ve proudly secured a spot on Chicago’s esteemed list of Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®. Nationally, we’ve maintained our momentum with five straight appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, and earlier this year, we earned the No. 95 position on the 2025 Inc. Regionals Midwest list.
We also achieved SOC 2 Type II certification this year—further validating our dedication to delivering secure, high-performing solutions for our clients.
In May 2025, DragonSpears was acquired by Improving, a modern digital services company with a people-first approach and a growing international presence. With offices across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, and Chile, Improving is known for building trust through excellence, transparency, and culture. We’re honored to be part of this global network and excited for what’s ahead.
These milestones reflect the hard work of our incredible team, the trust of our clients and partners, and our shared commitment to delivering long-term value through innovation and integrity.
Methodology
Companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
