When outsiders say Seattle is wired, they must be talking about the coffee because every computer-savvy Seattleite knows most internet service here doesnt live up to the citys high-tech reputation. Now, Seattle is hoping to help lead a gigabit internet revolution by providing blinding-fast service 10 times more rapid than the top speed typically advertised…

Many of the jobs available in America require basic literacy in science, technology, engineering and math the STEM disciplines. This is particularly true in Seattle where, according to a Brookings Institution study, more than a quarter of all jobs require STEM knowledge. Yet most American schools do an abysmal job providing students with the STEM…

Satya Nadella succeeded Steve Ballmer as Microsoft CEO in February, having previously served as vice president of Microsofts Cloud and Enterprise group. Nadella was born in 1967 in Hyderabad, India, and grew up there. He joined Microsoft 22 years ago and says very few companies have the talent, resources and perseverance to change the world….

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Steve Ballmer It was a balmy night in las vegas and hundreds of techies were packed into opening night of the 2003 Comdex IT trade show. As the lights dimmed and the event kicked off, a well-produced video spoofing the sci-fi classic The Matrix welcomeed attendees. Bill Gates starred as aging sage Morpheus,…

WINNER Concur Technologies Location: Bellevue | Employees: 3,700 When it comes to managing travel expenses, Concur Technologies specializes in smooth sailing. Were obsessed with how the world should work and how work should work, not just how it works now, says CEO Steve Singh. We all know there are a lot of obstacles and frustrations…

FOR-PROFIT WINNER Apex Learning Location: Seattle | Employees: 320 Using the internet to help kids reach their full potential, regardless of school district or background, still seems like a deeply innovative idea. Back in 1999, when Apex Learning started pioneering the field, it was revolutionary. Apex Learning started out targeting a simple but serious problem:…

WINNER DocuSign Location: Seattle | Employees: 800 At a time when serious business is conducted via tablet, its easy to forget how many transactions still come down to a pen, ink and paper. For the past decade, DocuSign has led the way in changing this for enterprises worldwide. By digitizing the signature process, DocuSign Chairman…

WINNER Cobalt Location: Seattle | Employees: 1,200 If theres any product that must be seen physically before being purchased, its a vehicle. But it hasnt stopped the internet from becoming a major force for car dealers, who turn to Cobalt to connect with the masses online. During roughly 20 years, Cobalt, now a division of…

WINNER Artefact Location: Seattle | Employees: 60 On the walls of Artefacts offices in South Lake Union, a bright neon sign poses a simple question: What if? Its the companys ability to answer this question, uniquely and effectively, thats made it a leading light in the world of technology product design and development.Artefact employs psychologists,…

WINNER Limeade Location: Bellevue | Employees: 90 Under pressure to keep health care costs under control, many businesses have turned to wellness programs to encourage healthy behavior. But theres a huge difference between creating one of these programs and getting employees to use it. This is Limeades specialty. The Bellevue-based firm offers a Software as…

WINNER T-Mobile US Location: Bellevue | Employees: About 38,000 Theres a long tradition of companies running ad campaigns against their competitors. Even against this historic backdrop, T-Mobiles Un-carrier strategy has stood out, both for its aggressiveness and its effectiveness. The campaign has employed numerous tactics against T-Mobiles rivals, from paying customers to break their mobile…