FindWhat Ranks High on Fast 500

FindWhat.com’s Breakthrough on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500

In 2004, FindWhat.com earned the prestigious number 21 spot on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list, a ranking that celebrates the 500 fastest‑growing technology companies across North America. The list evaluates firms based on their compound annual growth rate in revenue over a five‑year period, in this case from 1999 to 2003. For FindWhat.com, that calculation revealed an astonishing 15,878 percent increase in revenue, a figure that dwarfs the typical growth rates of even the most aggressive startups.

What set FindWhat.com apart was its early focus on the burgeoning paid search marketplace. The company pioneered the FindWhat.com Network, a platform that matched buyers and sellers at precisely the right moment - when consumers were actively searching for products and services online. According to Craig Pisaris‑Henderson, the company’s chairman and CEO, this approach “was the insight that put us ahead in a crowded market.” The network’s success was not accidental; it was the result of meticulous timing, data analysis, and a relentless pursuit of customer value.

Yet, the CEO made it clear that the company did not rest on its early achievements. “That alone was not good enough,” Pisaris‑Henderson explained. He described a culture of continual innovation, a willingness to look beyond the paid search niche, and a drive to discover new market opportunities. This mindset propelled FindWhat.com to become a global leader in growth solutions, extending its reach to over 100,000 online businesses spread across three continents. The company’s growth story showcases how a clear vision, coupled with a dedicated team, can transform a niche platform into an international powerhouse.

Mark A. Evans, national managing partner of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group, weighed in on the accomplishment. “Achieving sustained revenue growth of 15,878 percent over five years is a tremendous accomplishment during a difficult period for the technology sector,” he said. Evans emphasized that FindWhat.com’s performance placed the firm in a “select company” category, reserved for those who exhibit extraordinary growth trajectories and market impact.

FindWhat.com’s rapid ascent was already evident before the 2004 Fast 500 placement. In 2003, the company ranked seventh on the North American Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and in 2002 it topped the Deloitte New York Technology Fast 50 Rising Star list, a special designation for companies that did not yet have a full five‑year growth record but had shown impressive three‑year momentum. These earlier recognitions foreshadowed the company’s later success and underscored its consistent performance over time.

The Growth Story Behind the Numbers

Beyond the headline numbers, the story of FindWhat.com’s growth reveals a series of strategic decisions that capitalized on emerging digital trends. The company’s paid search network was not simply a revenue engine; it became a data hub that gathered insights on consumer intent, conversion rates, and keyword performance. By aggregating this information, FindWhat.com could refine its matching algorithm, ensuring that advertisers reached their ideal audience with higher precision and lower cost per acquisition.

Meanwhile, the leadership team recognized that reliance on a single revenue stream could limit long‑term scalability. They began exploring adjacent markets - such as search engine optimization, content marketing, and e‑commerce integration - where the firm could apply its data‑driven expertise. This diversification strategy was coupled with a global expansion effort that opened offices in key markets across North America, Europe, and Asia. Each new location brought local talent, cultural insight, and region‑specific partnerships, further accelerating the firm’s growth.

Under Pisaris‑Henderson’s direction, the company also invested heavily in technology infrastructure. High‑performance servers, secure data centers, and scalable cloud solutions were rolled out to support the increasing volume of traffic and transactions. These investments ensured that the network could handle peak search periods and maintain low latency for advertisers and shoppers alike - a critical factor in retaining client trust and satisfaction.

The human element played an equally vital role. The CEO publicly acknowledged the global team’s dedication, stating that “none of our success could have been realized without the incredible work of our global team.” Employees were encouraged to think beyond the paid search space, contribute ideas for new product features, and collaborate across departments. This culture of openness and innovation fostered rapid problem‑solving and prevented the stagnation that often accompanies rapid growth.

Finally, the company’s relationships with over 100,000 online businesses served as both a revenue base and a testing ground for new features. These partners ranged from small local retailers to large multinational brands, each bringing unique challenges and opportunities. By tailoring solutions to meet diverse needs - such as custom targeting options, real‑time bidding, and cross‑device analytics - FindWhat.com cemented its reputation as a partner that could scale with its clients’ ambitions.