CATEGORIES

FIELDS OF SCHEMES

When naming rights go wrong, they put a startup's calamities in bright lights and an entrepreneur's legacy in the hall of shame.

BETHENNY FRANKEL IS NOT WHO YOU THINK SHE IS

The former reality star is brash, ambitious, and most definitely underestimated. And that's precisely why she's such a brutally effective entrepreneur. Here's how she built her empire.

Out the Other Side

The burden of leading can be heavy even in the best of times. Coupled with the depression that afflicts so many founders, it can overwhelm their soul ... or forge it into something stronger.

The Future of...Fixing Pharmaceuticals

Eric Edwards is cofounder and chief executive officer of Phlow, a public benefit pharmaceutical corporation. He previously co-founded pharmaceutical company Kaléo, where, among other roles, he was responsible for overall scientific strategy and pharmaceutical development programs. Following an unprecedented year for the pharmaceutical industry, including leaps in vaccine technology and supply chain shortages, Inc. asked Edwards to share his vision for the future of pharmaceuticals.

She Broke the Bank

Luvleen Sidhu was just 28 when she founded BankMobile with a lofty mission: to reinvent banking for millions of Americans through the power of tech. The 2015 launch presciently anticipated the coming rise in mobile banking, and six years later the Radnor, Pennsylvania based business merged with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in a transaction worth $150 million. That made Sidhu the youngest female founder and CEO ever to take a company public, and led her to even grander goals: Still at the helm of the company—now called BM Technologies—she says she wants to “create ripple effects and inspire other women.” Here’s why you should put your money on her to do just that.

Meet Your Future Banker

In 2021, Brian Armstrong proved the digital economy doesn’t need the U.S. Dollar. Here’s why that’s important—why it matters to you —and why it makes his juggernaut, coinbase, inc.’s company of the year.

Fake It Till You Make... A Mess

When the media company Ozy unraveled last fall, its CEO, Carlos Watson-the would-be wizard of Ozy-stood accused of inflating performance, inventing partners, and looking the other way when his co-founder impersonated a YouTube exec to potential investors. It wasn't, however, the first time a finding hungry, win-at-any-cost entrepreneur would take preposterously desperate measures: Cook the books? Check. Conspire to traffic cocaine? Hey, it's financing! Dress like Steve Jobs? Sadly, yes. Take a look at some who crossed the line from unbridled hype to “Let me explain, Your Honor.” – BILL SHAPIRO

Force of Habit

THE CALORIE COUNTING CARDIO TRAINING STATIONARY BIKE GAMIFICATION STRESS REDUCING PSYCHO OPTIMIZING PEOPLE CENTERING WEIGHT LOSS SUBSCRIPTIONATING WHATEVER BEHAVIOR NEXT NEEDS CHANGING COMPANY | Noom’s founders built an overnight-success weight-loss app after years of failure. Now they’re working to parlay their big hit into a string of them.

IS YOUR HIRING IN NEED OF HELP?

TIP SHEET

Chris and Shivani VS. the World

Venture investor Chris Sacca talks with Shivani Siroya, founder of fintech company Tala, about scaling up your business without locking it down.

Flipping The Scrip

In 2011, tech industry veteran Doug Hirsch launched digital health care marketplace GoodRx with Scott Marlette and Trevor Bezdek. With 20 million people now using it every month to find affordable prescription medications, GoodRx has saved them $30 billion. Hirsch has continued to serve as co-CEO since taking the company public last year. We asked him how he’s kept it healthy through all the changes.

Kara Goldin – Making a Bigger Splash

Hint founder and CEO Kara Goldin talks to Park Place Payments founder and CEO Samantha Ettus about breaking into a new industry with an unconventional strategy.

Farming Grows Up

A group of startups raises lettuce, tomatoes, and berries in high-rise plant factories. The founders aren’t farmers; they’re technologists who have shown that even the most grounded industry can be radically reinvented.

How Delane Parnell Beat the Game at Its Own Game

He was the living embodiment of the American Dream, a tireless entrepreneur who fought his way from Detroit’s meanest streets. Then Delane Parnell faced the moment that would define his gaming venture—and his life.

Down to Their Last Dollar

Businesses fail every day, from world-beaters (like TWA and Lehman Brothers) to sexy high-fliers (DeLorean, Enron) to Steady Eddie, old-school icons (Toys “R” Us, Sears). Sometimes, of course, market conditions simply turn Sisyphean. But often, when that boulder starts to roll backward, a leader’s grit, imagination, resourcefulness, and ability to conjure a little luck can mean the difference between a brave new chapter and, well, Chapter 11. Here, four businesses that went from nearly bust to total gangbusters.

She has dreams of an IPO he knows how to make them reality

Liz Young, founder of real estate startup Realm, talks scaling up with Robert Reffkin, founder and CEO of Compass (No. 71, 2018 Inc. 5000), the largest independent real estate brokerage in the U.S. By Graham Winfrey

Easing The Heavy Lift

Stord’s cloud-based warehousing platform started as a student project. It could revolutionize the global supply chain.

Driving Growth via Customer Connections

Salesforce research found that growing SMBs were more likely to accelerate their technology investments during the pandemic.

The Great Double Unicorn Fixer

The creator of Carbon Health wants to fix health care for the masses. Previously, he built a company with a mission to fix education for the masses. Both companies are worth billions. He comes from the edge of nowhere in rural Turkey. How the heck does this happen? It actually makes perfect sense.

5 Strategies for Conveying Preeminence in the Marketplace

Reaching the top of your game isn’t easy, but it’s the most effective path to sales success. Here’s how to get there.

David Neeleman Has No Fear Of Flying

The founder of JetBlue has overcome some crazy setbacks on his way to becoming the most successful serial airline entrepreneur in history. So why would he let a global pandemic get in the way of launching his latest carrier?

Fighting Fire With Founders

Silicon Valley startups are taking aim at deadly wildfires. But saving lives will require cutting through red tape, fast.

You Grew It Alone. Now Can You Lead?

Nnenna Stella, founder of the fashion accessories brand the Wrap Life, talks staffing up with Lisa Price, founder of beauty brand Carol’s Daughter.

Find the Right People During the COVID-19 Era

Even before the pandemic, SMBs faced an uphill battle for the best talent. Here’s how technology and the right partners can help meet new challenges.

MICHAEL DUBIN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

He said goodbye over Zoom to his billion-dollar idea, closed his laptop, and ... he was gone. So what’s the founder of DollarShave Club to do now that he’s already shaved the world?

Making it in Mobile: 19 Years of Resilience in a Competitive Industry

Wireless industry solution provider Live Wireless shows what it takes to make it in a competitive industry: nimbleness, patience, and balance

How Boring Benefits Can Pay Off

The pandemic, the grim economy, and the stress of remote work have made employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being more important than ever. At the same time, bosses are trying to meet their employees’ needs on a tighter budget. One solution? Voluntary benefits.

May The Best Brand Win!

Zico founder Mark Rampolla recently bought back his coconut water company after a sale that decimated the brand. Now he’s rebuilding it with a new team, but facing fierce competition from an old rival.

Lissy Hu – Repeat Performance

Two-time seller

HR Technology Adapts to Remote Work's Permanence

From social issues to virtual collaboration, HR technology is evolving to meet the needs of future employment models.