Rocket Builders, a market strategy and consulting firm based in Vancouver, has released its 11th annual “Ready to Rocket” lists of British Columbia technology companies posited to capitalize on current technology sector trends and outgrow their peers.
The “Ready to Rocket” business recognition program covers three different IT sectors: Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Cleantech and Life Science.
“Each year, our team of analysts received lots of inquiries on how we are able to predict so accurately which companies will grow revenue.” said Geoffrey Hansen, managing partner at Rocket Builders, in a statement. “Three elements characterize these high growth firms: a growing market opportunity, a unique competitive position and customer validation of a must-have value proposition.”
According to the 2012 lists, the ICT sector is strong in B.C., with a median growth rate on that list of over 50 per cent, with 10 companies exceeding 75 per cent and five exceeding 100 per cent. The 2013 list includes 25 companies.
“With the growth of mobility and cloud computing as major drivers of the ICT sector, there are many market opportunities that BC companies are capitalizing on,” said Reg Nordman, managing partner at Rocket Builders. “And despite slow economic growth in most global markets, ICT companies are finding ways to win customers in the United States and abroad.”
The 2012 list for Cleantech also performed well, with three companies exceeding $30 million in revenue and many more doubling their revenues. The 2013 list features 14 companies.
“B.C. continues to be a leader in Cleantech innovation, and investments into this sector continue to grow. Unlike information technology, Cleantech innovations need longer timeframes to establish a market foothold. This year, many new B.C. startups have transitioned from innovation to commercialization,” said Dave Thomas, senior partner at Rocket Builders.
Finally, the 2013 list for Life Science features 10 up and coming B.C. companies.
“2012 has seen significant investments in BC’s life science companies as well as changes to the business landscape that is reflective of the challenges faced by the regulatory environment as it tries to keep up with the advances and convergence of molecular biology, chemistry, digital media, nanotechnology, ICT and other interfacing technologies,” said Thealzel Lee, senior partner at Rocket Builders.
One of the companies named to the 2013 ICT list is QuickMobile, a developer of mobile meeting and event solutions for meeting owners and organizers based in Vancouver. It recently released SnapApp, which provides enterprise customers an easy-to-use way to quickly create and distribute an unlimited number of customizable, feature-rich, branded event apps.
“The tech industry in B.C. is experiencing tremendous growth with a number of amazing entrepreneurs and companies leading the way,” said Patrick Payne, CEO of QuickMobile, in a statement. “Being recognized among the top companies in the industry for our technology and growth potential is a complement to our great team that is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations on a daily basis. In 2012, we surpassed all our goals, and 2013 is setting up to be another banner year for us. We congratulate all the other companies that like QuickMobile are ‘Ready to Rocket’ upward.”
