This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Loot Crate, the fastest growing private company in America, is in Northeast LA
Chris Davis, the CEO of Loot Crate, which Inc. named as the fastest growing private company in America.
(
Ben Bergman/KPCC
)
Listen
0:47
Loot Crate, the fastest growing private company in America, is in Northeast LA
Inc. Magazine released its rankings today of the fastest growing private companies in America over the past three years, and for the second year in a row the winner is located in Southern California.
Loot Crate, which sends geeks and gamers a monthly collection of action figures, comic books and other loot, has gone from $125,000 in revenue during in its first year to $116 million in revenue last year.
"It’s been a really fast four years," said CEO and Co-founder Chris Davis, as he sipped a ginger beer at the company's headquarters in Northeast L.A. While most of Southern California's start-ups are located in the tony Silicon Beach area, Davis made a point to plant his start up near Highland Park.
“It’s good to find a place with affordable rent,” said Davis.
The's company's location has not only helped keep costs down, it's also has also become a competitive advantage to attract and retain employees in a relatively less expensive area to find housing; Loot Crate has gone from two employees in 2012 to 240 full-time ones now.
“We’re able to recruit a lot of people that want to live on the east side but don’t want to commute out west,” said Davis.
Loot Crate also benefits from being close to the toy and garment districts downtown, according to Davis.
Sponsored message
"We feel like we're uniquely taking advantage of a lot of L.A.'s strengths," said Davis.
Other Southern California companies on Inc's list include Santa Monica-based Los York, a creative services and content production firm, and Carson-based Berkeley, which designs and manufactures molded fiber and other custom packaging.
Last year, Costa Mesa-based Ultra Mobile, which specializes in selling international mobile device plans to foreign-born people living in the United States, took the title of fastest growing company.
The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth, when comparing 2012 to 2015. Companies have to be independent in order to count, as opposed to subsidiaries.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
