C3 Named on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
Company recognized for achieving significant revenue growth, earning a place among the nation’s most successful independent businesses as C3 helps Defense Industrial Base contractors strengthen cybersecurity, protect CUI and maintain compliance readiness
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 11, 2026 – C3, a cybersecurity and compliance solutions provider purpose-built for the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, today announced it has been ranked on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.
The annual Inc. 5000 list recognizes the nation’s fastest-growing independent businesses and highlights companies that have demonstrated strong revenue growth, resilience and momentum in competitive markets. C3’s inclusion reflects continued demand for cybersecurity and compliance support across the Defense Industrial Base as contractors work to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI), strengthen IT operations and navigate evolving CMMC, DFARS and related cybersecurity requirements.
C3 designs, implements and manages secure cloud, IT and security environments that help defense contractors protect CUI, prepare for CMMC assessments and maintain long-term operational resilience. The company’s growth has been driven by its focus on helping customers shift from reactive compliance efforts to sustained operational maturity in real operating environments.
“Being named to the Inc. 5000 reflects the work our team has done to help defense contractors meet one of the most complex cybersecurity and compliance challenges facing the market,” said Marc Pantoni, CEO of C3. “Our customers need security and compliance support that holds up in real operating environments, not just on paper. This recognition reinforces the demand we’re seeing for managed IT, cybersecurity and compliance solutions that help organizations protect sensitive defense information and build resilience over time.”
This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.
For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.
“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”
Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.
Inc. 5000 List Methodology
Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent (not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies) as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.
For more information, visit c3ist.com.
About C3
C3 implements and manages IT, cybersecurity and compliance solutions that enable defense contractors to meet the Department of War Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. C3 specializes in building and maintaining systems designed to secure sensitive information across the Defense Industrial Base.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Contact for C3
Sarah Foote, VP of Marketing
Media Contact
Patrick Ingraham, Touchdown PR for C3