Innovation isn’t just a buzzword at Pipedrive—it’s the company’s operating system. The sales CRM built for small businesses has earned a place on Fast Company’s 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators list in the midsize category (100–999 employees).
Now in its seventh year, the list recognizes 100 companies across industries—from biotech to marketing—that prove innovation can come from any level, not just the executive suite.
Why It Matters
Recognition from Fast Company carries weight. The evaluation process involves not only employee programs and cultural initiatives but also rigorous editorial research and judgment from an expert panel. In other words: you can’t fake your way onto this list.
For Pipedrive, the nod validates years of investment in both technology and people. The company has been rolling out its AI suite—a toolbox designed to cut down repetitive admin work, help sales teams make faster decisions, and keep workflows smarter and more connected.
It also doubles down on employee well-being. The Personal Coaching Program gives every employee access to in-house psychologists for one-on-one coaching, no approvals or red tape required. That’s a big step up from the usual wellness stipend or generic app subscription.
Culture Over Titles
“Innovation isn’t confined to one team or job title,” said Tanya Channing, COO at Pipedrive. “We’ve built a culture where bold thinking and cross-functional collaboration are encouraged at every level… Rather than letting fear of mistakes limit what’s possible, we choose to trust our people.”
That philosophy lines up neatly with the vision of Fast Company itself. “Innovation doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional choices to empower people at every level,” noted Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief.
Bigger Picture
Pipedrive’s inclusion highlights a trend in HR and workplace strategy: companies that blend human capital investment with cutting-edge tech are pulling ahead in both talent retention and market performance. Rivals in the CRM space like HubSpot and Zoho also tout AI upgrades and employee-focused cultures, but Pipedrive’s mix of embedded coaching and workflow-focused AI gives it a differentiator in the crowded sales-tech market.
Since launching the Best Workplaces for Innovators program in 2019, Fast Company has consistently spotlighted firms that prove culture isn’t just soft talk—it’s an infrastructure that drives measurable outcomes. Pipedrive’s case reinforces that lesson.
For midsize firms competing for talent and growth, the message is clear: your next breakthrough might not come from a strategy offsite—it may come from trusting employees to experiment and take risks.
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
