SANTA CLARA, California--Align Technology, Inc., the inventor of Invisalign, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires or brackets, has announced that it ranked number 354 on Deloitte's 2006 Technology Fast 500.
The Fast 500 is a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 2001-2005. Align Technology grew 362 percent during this period.
Align Technology President and CEO, Thomas M. Prescott, attributes the company's 362 percent growth during the past five years to innovative technology and clinical education programs for customers.
He said, "Our continued growth reflects our commitment to educating customers about an innovative and successful technique--the Invisalign system--and providing them with the tools they need to make that technique a successful part of their practice."
"Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 companies have shown the strength, vision and tenacity to succeed in today's very competitive technology environment," said Tony Kern, deputy managing principal of Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry practice. "We applaud the successes of Align Technology and acknowledge it as one of the very few to accomplish such a fast growth rate over the past five years."
Overall, companies that ranked on the 2006 Technology Fast 500 had growth rates ranging from 210 to 48,948 percent in five years, with an average growth rate of 2,147 percent.
Fast 500 selection and qualifying criteria
The Fast 500 ranks the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. It is compiled from Deloitte's 16 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. Companies are selected based on percentage revenue growth from 2001 to 2005.
Entrants must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a significant proportion of revenues to research and development of technology.
Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify. Base-year operating revenues must be at least $50,000 USD or $75,000 CD, and current-year operating revenues must be at least $5 million USD or CD. Companies must be in business a minimum of five years, and they must be headquartered within North America.
