What Makes These 21 Companies Ones to Watch This Spring

Springtime is a season filled with promise, heralding the arrival of warmer temperatures, colorful landscapes — and opportunities for a fresh start. 

Companies across the country are leaning into the aura of the season as they focus on amplifying their potential. From new products and multifaceted strategies to empowering cultures that encourage team members to do more, these organizations are prioritizing what will make the most impact on their businesses — and their people. 

And with strong tech stacks and robust benefits in place, each company offers employees everything they need to succeed. For instance, technologists who join Optimum can expect to leverage tools like Pandas and Terraform, while those who decide to build their careers at Pfizer are supported by perks like childcare benefits and tuition reimbursement. 

Check out our list of 21 companies to watch this spring to see what opportunities are on offer across the nation’s tech landscape. 

What Spectrum does: Spectrum is an internet, television and mobile communications provider serving residential and commercial customers in 41 U.S. states. 

A better way to watch TV: Spectrum Senior Vice President of Video Elena Ritchie recently shared insights into the company’s Xumo Stream Box with Built In. “In today’s fragmented streaming landscape, Spectrum is bringing back the simplicity and ease that television used to provide with Xumo Stream Box,” she explained. “First launched to Spectrum customers in 2023, Xumo is a completely reimagined way to watch television, integrating traditional live TV with access to hundreds of streaming apps and services.”

 

 

What Cloudflare does: Cloudflare’s connectivity cloud enables organizations to make their websites, apps and networks faster and more secure. 

A need for speed: Cloudflare Head of Enablement Strategy and Operations Tracye Shaw caught up with Built In to describe the type of sales talent that the company looks for. According to her, there are various skills that set top sales talent apart — and agility is one of them. “To be successful at Cloudflare, you must be a curious person who learns quickly, applies your learning and iterates rapidly on the results,” Shaw said. 

 

 

What TransUnion does: TransUnion is a global information and insights company that aims to help organizations understand consumers more effectively and deliver personalized experiences.

Empowering tech talent to thrive: Meg Williams, vice president of global technology strategy and transformation at TransUnion, caught up with Built In to share why she decided to join the company and how it empowers its people to thrive. Elaborating upon what she considers her favorite aspect of working at the company, she shared, “I have always wanted to foster a sense of collaboration and problem-solving within a team. In my time with TransUnion, it’s been enjoyable to work collectively and cooperatively to achieve our goals together.”

 

 

 

What NBCUniversal does: A subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, NBCUniversal is a global media and entertainment company that oversees multiple brands, including NBC, Focus Features, Peacock and Fandango. 

Striving for sustainability: Earlier this year, three NBCUniversal leaders caught up with Built In to discuss the company’s sustainability strategy, which drives the organization’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2035. As the company strives to make its office buildings, productions and theme parks more sustainable, its executive team is doing their part to drive this organization-wide transformation. “Here, senior leaders meet on a quarterly basis and are engaged, asking good questions and driving their teams to deliver on their goals — and that’s unique,” VP of Operations, Engineering and Sustainability Matt Berbée said. “I think that’s something that’s very special about what we have here.”

 

 

What ZS does: ZS is a management consulting and technology firm that serves organizations in a broad range of industries, offering solutions related to AI and analytics, digital product development, marketing and more. 

‘A good place for women in tech’: Along with two of her colleagues, ZS Principal Bazgha Qutab caught up with Built In last year to describe what makes the company “a good place to be for women in tech.” She shared how she has grown significantly during her time at the company, helping it expand its global practice while tapping into her entrepreneurial talent to drive impact. “It’s very cool to be developing products and serving clients while being under the umbrella of an established organization,” Qutab said. “I’d say that’s why ZS is a good place for women in tech. They can constantly be in startup mode while also being nurtured.”

 

 

What Pfizer does: Pfizer is dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering medicines to prevent, treat and cure health conditions and diseases. 

Redefining cancer research: In a recent interview with Built In, Mack MacKenzie, vice president of digital for Pfizer’s oncology division, business innovation division and enterprise AI, described how the company is leveraging AI to enhance its cancer research efforts. He sees the company’s continued use of AI as the start of a major transformation — one that he can’t wait to see for himself. “I believe that very quickly, we’re going to see some tremendous changes in almost every way the business operates moving forward, and it’s really exciting,” MacKenzie said. “I’m hyper-optimistic about the impact it could have not just on Pfizer but on global health.”

 

 

 

What MetLife does: MetLife is a financial services company that offers insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. 

Innovating with purpose: In an interview with Built In last year, MetLife’s Hyderabad-based head of data and analytics, Naren Peri, described how the company’s commitment to innovation and supportive culture empowers its people to make an impact on customers. He explained how he and his peers have ample opportunities to work together on critical projects, which enables them to drive change — and stretch their skills in the process. “I’m getting better as a professional because I get to apply these technologies in an innovative way that better serves our customers, all while collaborating with colleagues from all over the world,” Peri said. “We have so much to learn from one another.”

 

 

What Optimum does: Optimum offers internet, television and mobile communication services to residential and business customers across 21 U.S. states. 

In the news: Optimum recently launched a new product called Alice, which leverages AI to simplify the media buying process. According to the company’s website, the new tool is designed to act as a campaign planner, making it easier for organizations to extend their campaign reach in order to resonate with their audiences as effectively as possible. 

 

 

What DraftKings does: DraftKings is an online sports betting operator. 

Freedom to be authentic: In an interview with Built In, three DraftKings team members shared how the company's business resource groups enable employees to connect while cultivating an inclusive workplace. For Senior Events and Experiences Manager Ashley Zapert, who serves as the co-chair of the company’s DK Pride BRG, these groups have made it possible to be herself — and empower others to do the same. “DraftKings is by far the most inclusive atmosphere and culture I’ve ever been a part of,” she said. “I’ve always felt that I never had to hold back from being my authentic self.”

 

 

 

What Liberty Mutual Insurance does: Liberty Mutual Insurance is a property and casualty insurance provider. 

Innovation encouraged: Liberty Mutual Insurance team members caught up with Built In to describe how the company encourages its technologists to experiment and be creative when developing products and services. Through programs like the Liberty Innovation Challenge, Chief Innovation Officer Adam L’Italien shared, employees get to explore innovative ideas and earn recognition for their hard work. “At Liberty Mutual, employees are empowered to develop and contribute meaningful ideas that help us respond to the needs of our customers, clients and communities,” he said. “We encourage employees to solve for today’s biggest opportunities through programs that expose, educate and empower them to employ new innovation methodologies and approaches.” 

 

 

What NinjaOne does: NinjaOne’s automated endpoint management platform is designed to help IT teams and managed service providers increase productivity, reduce security risks and lower costs. 

The keys to customer success: In a recent interview with Built In, Vice President of Customer Success Armando Najera described the key metrics he tracks when working with the company’s customers. He shared that engagement metrics, such as login frequency and usage depth, are helpful in assessing customer relationships and identifying ways to offer extra support. “These kinds of usage insights are super helpful,” Najera said. “They’re not just about numbers — they help us figure out the right timing and approach to connect.”

 

 

What Udemy does: Udemy is an online skills marketplace and learning platform that offers educational tools for learners, instructors and enterprises. 

Embracing a skills-based future: Last year, three Udemy leaders spoke with Built In about the company’s decision to become a skills-based organization, which aims to empower employees to thrive without relying solely on traditional markers like degrees or seniority. According to Chief People Officer Karen Fascenda, embracing a skills-focused model doesn’t just help employees thrive — it sets an example for the organizations it partners with. “Skills are the key to unlocking potential and remaining competitive in today’s economy,” she said. “By focusing on becoming a skills-based organization, we have the potential to produce meaningful business outcomes and increase productivity, agility and business continuity while filling skills gaps.”

 

 

 

What PwC does: PwC is a professional services firm that works with clients across a wide range of industries, such as energy, banking and healthcare, specializing in areas such as digital assets and cryptocurrency, generative AI and cybersecurity. 

All in on AI: Dan Priest, Chief AI Officer for PwC’s U.S. presence, appeared on The Atlantic’s “The Most Interesting Thing in AI” podcast to share his perspective on how leaders are using AI. One such topic he discussed was the advent of the agentic workforce, which stems from the idea that an AI engine can serve as an agent to the human, with multi-agent models dividing up a process like a human would. “Those are different jobs for different people or agents,” Priest explained. “So then you have these multi-agent models that are bubbling up. Where you see multi-agent models being activated, the performance is really quite incredible.”

 

 

What McDonald’s Global Technology does: McDonald’s Global Technology is the technical arm of the McDonald’s fast food chain and is responsible for building solutions that leverage technologies like AI, IoT and edge computing. 

Staying ahead of cyber criminals: Michael Dobbs, a security operations center director at McDonald’s Global Technology, spoke with Built In last year to describe what it’s like to work in the company’s global technology risk management organization. To stay prepared to handle cyber threats, he shared, his team engages in tabletop exercises. “Teams and markets from across McDonald’s come together, diving into scenarios that mimic real-world cyber threats,” Dobbs explained. “More than just a technical drill, the role-playing exercises assess the efficiency of response protocols, the clarity of interteam communications and the strengths and pitfalls in decision-making, allowing organizations to update or reaffirm their protocols.”

 

 

What Fluidra North America does: Fluidra North America offers pool and spa equipment for both homeowners and businesses. 

In the news: Last year, Fluidra North America announced the launch of the Jandy JXiQ Gas Pool and Spa Heater, which is designed to offer pool professionals greater insight into heater installation, servicing and operation. According to the company’s website, the product offers additional built-in sensors that provide self-diagnostic capabilities to ensure proper installation and operation while taking the guesswork out of troubleshooting.

 

 

 

What Cisco Meraki does: Cisco Meraki is a Cisco business unit that specializes in building cloud-managed IT solutions. 

Making waves in Mexico City: In a recent interview with Built In SF, three Cisco Meraki team members offered a glimpse inside the company’s Mexico City office. According to Network Support Engineer Pablo Ramirez, the office offers a culture in which everyone feels connected and empowered to deliver their best work. “No matter where we are, we’re always happy to help one another troubleshoot an issue,” he said. 

 

 

What Upgrade does: Upgrade is a fintech company that provides responsible credit and payment products. 

Instilling ownership: Upgrade Vice President of Engineering Nii Dodoo caught up with Built In to describe how he strives to cultivate ownership on his team. According to him, transparent communication is key to creating this type of environment, which empowers engineers to experiment, think creatively and propose novel ideas. “Whether it’s quarterly town halls or daily standups, it’s important to use different communication channels for our teams to ask questions and have open conversations about what we aim to achieve,” Dodoo said. “This builds trust and collaboration across our various orgs, but also fosters engagement to ultimately improve our products.”

 

 

What GRAIL does: GRAIL is a healthcare company dedicated to building products that detect cancer early on. 

Impact meets inclusion: In an interview with Built In, GRAIL Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rayshawnda Madison described how the company’s DEI efforts, particularly its ERGs, go hand in hand with its commitment to cancer research. “At GRAIL, we target efforts to enhance health equity by decreasing disparities in cancer through broad promotion and equitable access to and use of multi-cancer early detection and emerging technologies,” she said. “The GRAIL ERGs create an environment where employees are better equipped to collaborate and tackle these challenges together.”

 

 

 

What Achieve does: Achieve is dedicated to helping consumers build a better financial future for themselves by enabling them to find a solution that meets their needs, whether that’s a personal loan, a home equity loan or debt relief. 

Empowered to make an impact: Last year, Sales Director Courtney Buycks spoke with Built In about how she has been empowered to grow on Achieve’s sales team, which hinges on the notion of “balancing the heart with the dollar.” In other words, she explained, everything teammates accomplish is intended to weigh their own needs with the needs of both the business and the consumer. “That work never stops, and every single decision that’s made aligns with this idea,” Buycks said. “I know that’s what sets us apart.” 

 

 

What Mixbook does: Mixbook’s platform enables consumers to design physical photo books using their own images. 

All voices heard: In an interview with Built In, Patty Morris, who serves as both chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Mixbook, described how the company cultivates an environment in which all employees — including introverts — feel comfortable speaking up. She shared that she employs various practices to ensure introverts are comfortable sharing insight, such as creating a structured approach to meetings that removes the pressure of on-the-spot contributions. “It’s not about categorizing people — it’s about sparking open dialogues,” Morris said.

 

 

What Adswerve does: Adswerve is a data, media and tech consultancy that aims to help organizations unlock digital marketing opportunities.

Connectivity, community and creativity: Adswerve team members spoke with Built In to describe how connectivity, community and creativity form the foundation of the company’s virtual-first culture. “The three Cs are our guiding light to ensure we feel connected no matter our location, role or team, rally around shared interests and spend time together, and solve problems creatively and innovatively,” explained CEO Roger Berdusco. He believes that creating this culture is critical to make Adswerve a place where everyone thrives.