Arizona is leading the pack in terms of business transformation in 2022, and it’s not without surprise. Arizona’s abundant business development is due to a targeted and strategic plan to innovate the future.
“The next 30 to 40 years of economic output will be derived by the next 10 years’ worth of intentional investments and planning. That’s how serious this moment of time is,” Greater Phoenix Economic Council President & CEO Chris Camacho said in a Convening the Community panel discussion.
Camacho’s reference to intentional investments and planning include ten economic imperatives to advance Career Technical Education (CTE), STEM, and engineering pathways as well as expand and foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem among other key points.
The result? Arizona is home to some of the best companies of the future, attracting droves of ventures, from tech to manufacturing and startups to established brands.
As relatively new names emerge into the Arizona business scene, thanks in part to numerous Arizonan programs, they both compete and support each other in attracting great talent. These companies to watch know the value of an authentic employer brand as well as a genuinely positive culture. We’re also eager to see how these companies shape how we view great workplaces in the future.
Here are our picks for the Best of the Future. These are companies we’re confident that, as they grow, they’ll have a strong impact on the state of Arizona.
Companies of the Future: Arizona Businesses To Watch in 2022
Ten companies of the future are featured in this article. We’ll all see more from the rest of them over the coming months.
- Heart & Soul
- LifeGuides
- LiveRamp
- Lucid Motors
- On Q Financial
- Opendoor
- Peloton, Inc.
- Robinhood
- The Nerdery, LLC
- Upgrade
Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul Marketing is a purpose-driven agency that helps clients discover their own “Why?”, then delves deeply into their respective purpose, missions, and values to establish distinctive brand positionings and brand identities that build customer resonance. Many ventures today simply dive into their industries looking to make money, often forgetting that it’s their values that define their future.
Composed of fiercely creative, diverse and culturally-obsessed individuals armed with local, national, and global expertise, Heart & Soul helps brands discover and communicate their unique selling propositions so that their customers do not just support their products, but also become advocates. Its strength as a firm is reflected in its people-first work environment where creativity and curiosity are encouraged; people are empowered to think out of the box…and have fun along the journey.
Nerdery
Nerdery is a premier digital product consultancy. More than consultants, we’re allies on the digital journey — a collection of strategists, designers, technologists and proud “Nerds,” relentlessly working to invent a world that works better for all. We work alongside clients to understand their goals and build digital products that transform business.
Nerdery was named a Built In’s 2022 Best Place To Work in the Midsize Companies category. The annual awards program recognizes companies of all sizes in the eight largest tech markets across the U.S. Nerdery continues to expand its footprint in the Arizona market.
On Q Financial
On Q Financial is all about simplifying the mortgage application process so that more Americans are just within reach from finally acquiring their dream homes. More than being a financial services provider, the company takes a unique and consultative approach to finance, helping clients figure out their short and long-term goals to arrive at the best available mortgage product that will turn their goals into reality. Its people are its best asset, and this is why On Q fosters a caring, diverse, and innovation-driven work environment that places a high value on its employees’ well-being and learning.
Upgrade
Upgrade is a fintech unicorn founded in 2017. In 2021 they became the fastest-growing company in the Americas (Financial Times) and had the fastest growing credit card in America (Nilson Report). Upgrade provides responsible credit through affordable loans, innovative credit cards, and easy-to-use mobile and online banking. They are redefining banking.
Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, one of the “Top Companies to Work for in Arizona” two years in a row, and has received awards for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans. Upgrade has been growing the Downtown Phoenix Service Center where they deliver the mission of affordable credit to their customers. They offer competitive pay, fully paid benefits, 401k matching, stock options, and incredible growth and learning potential. Upgrade is hiring for a wide variety of Customer Service, Underwriting, and Operations positions. Learn more about Upgrade and apply here.
Peloton
Peloton is the leading interactive fitness platform in the world with a loyal community of more than 5.9 million Members. The company pioneered connected, technology-enabled fitness, and the streaming of immersive, instructor-led boutique classes for its Members anytime, anywhere. Peloton makes fitness entertaining, approachable, effective, and convenient, while fostering social connections that encourage its Members to be the best versions of themselves.
Peloton recently placed #1 on The Belong Index as well as a number of awards from Comparably, including Best Company Outlook, Best Company Happiness, Best Company for Career Growth, Best Company for Women, and Best Comp + Benefits. In 2021, Peloton opened its first location in Tempe.
The future of the Arizona job market is bright with great organizations like these. From companies disrupting the fitness industry to a creative digital consulting agency to a financing firm that makes dreamers’ homeownership goals a reality — The Best of Future companies to watch are a diverse group. We congratulate all of them!
Be in the know with the 100 Best Arizona Companies through our insights into what makes these companies so great. Sign up today!
So, what other companies of the future would you add to the list? Let us know!
