The premiere issue of Fast Company appeared in November 1995. Since its debut, the magazine has been one of the most remarkable success stories in publishing - not just in terms of circulation and advertising sales, but also in terms of its impact on its readers and on the worldwide conversation about the future of business. Fast Company presents ideas, tools, and practices in ways that engage and inspire the impact players in business. From the beginning, Fast Company has taken a distinctive approach to the challenge of building and growing a media enterprise. First, the magazine stands for a clear and compelling point of view. Fast Company has become the essential source of ideas and advice for leaders who understand that we are living in truly remarkable and deeply challenging times. The competitive logic of business has changed fundamentally, driven by the impact of digital technologies, global markets, the new workplace, and a generational power shift in leadership ranks. In this new environment, the only sustainable leadership is thought leadership - generating more good ideas and make smarter adjustments faster than the competition. Fast Company creates the idea agenda for the future of business. Fast Company has a second source of differentiation from conventional media enterprises - its deep level of engagement with its audience. The ultimate test of the magazine is not how many people read it. The ultimate test is how many people use it to think differently, to lead better, to work smarter, and to evaluate their own success. Fast Company is more than a magazine; it's a movement. It's an acclaimed Web site, it's a series of engaging live events, and it's a global, grassroots network of readers ( the Company of Friends ) who interact with one another, interact with the people Fast Company writes about, and use the tools in the magazine. Founding Editors Alan M. Webber and William C. Taylor shape and drive the style and content of each issue. Alan and Bill spent a combined total of 11 years running the Harvard Business Review before founding Fast Company. Initial backing came from a roster of business legends, including Regis McKenna, Tom Peters, John Doerr, and Michael E. Porter. Fast Company joined forces with the media properties owned by Mortimer B. Zuckerman in April 1995. In its five year history, Fast Company has won an array of media-industry awards and honors, including:

National Magazine Award for Design ( 2000 )

National Magazine Award Finalist for General Excellence ( 2000 )

Adweek Editors of the Year ( 1999 )

National Magazine Award for General Excellence ( 1999 ) The company, headquartered in Boston, also has editorial offices in New York and San Francisco, and ad-sales offices in major cities across the country.