PatientKeeper
Brighton, MA
Founded: 1996

Why we said: PatientKeeper was the only IT developer to make our list. The company, which was founded by two MIT professors, develops open architecture software for PDAs and other handheld devices, allowing for more efficient data entry and tracking. By 2003, PatientKeeper had already garned commitments from Cerner and IBM to use the software in future products. In a market saturated with hospital IT vendors, we expected PatientKeeper to continue to stand out. And with newly appointed CEO, Paul Brient, on board, we were certain PatientKeeper would take their business to the next level in no time.

What happened: With an infusion of cash in 2004, PatientKeeper decided to increase its headcount by 50 percent. And the company has been on the fast track ever since. The developer's information systems can now be found in over 350 U.S. hospitals. Physicians can manage their data from any device, including smartphones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers. Venture capital backers include New Enterprise Associates, Mediphase Venture Partners, Flybridge Capital Partners, Frazier Healthcare Ventures and Whitney & Company.

View the original Fierce 15 of 2003 report.