Miami, Aug. 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1st Merchant Funding a leading finance and disruptive technology company ranked #566 on the 31st annual Inc. 500|5000 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies for the second consecutive year.
"It's an honor to be recognized on the Inc. 500 list as one of the fastest growing private companies in America for a second consecutive year," said Levi Rosenblum, Founder and CEO of 1st Merchant Funding. "Ranked #34 in financial services, and #21 in Miami,
our success is a true indication of our innovative funding options available to businesses nationwide. We are immensely grateful to our staff, business partners, and small business owners who helped us achieve this great success. We look forward to continued expansion in the financial services and disruptive technology arena."
Last year, 1st Merchant Funding held the No. 94 ranking on the Inc. 500|5000 list, marking an 2717% growth in a three-year span, and #9 in financial services.
The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America's independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500|5000.
The 2012 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 21 to November 15 and on Inc.com), is the most competitive crop in the list's history. To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a staggering minimum of 770% in sales growth. The Inc. 500' s aggregate revenue is $15.7 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,431 percent. The companies on this year's Inc. 500 employ more than 48,000 people and generated over 40,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/500.
"Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is," says Inc. magazine Editor Eric Schurenberg.
About 1st Merchant Funding
Launched in 2007, 1st Merchant Funding is a leading provider of merchantcashadvance products available to small and medium-sized businesses. Having funded thousands of businesses and nearly one hundred million dollars in working capital throughout the United States. Rather than underwriting businesses by it's owners personal credit history, 1st Merchant Funding utilizes data aggregation and electronic payment receipts in conjunction with proprietary scoring models to evaluate the financial health of small businesses, and provide immediate working capital as quickly as two business days. 1st Merchant Funding has one of the industry's largest independent sales networks with over 2,600 independent sales agents marketing its cash advance products. Businesses typically use 1st Merchant Funding's capital to fund expansion, purchase equipment and inventory, increase advertising, manage unexpected expenses and take advantage of seasonal opportunities. 1st Merchant Funding is also the exclusive gatekeeper of, PowerForce™, the industry's leading disruptive financial technology platform. For more information about 1st Merchant Funding's quick and easy working capital solutions, please call 1-866-710-2265 or visitwww.1stmerchantfunding.com
About Inc.
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures,Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today. For more information, visitwww.inc.com.