Fast Track was founded in 1997 by Dr Hamish Stevenson as part of his research fellowship in entrepreneurship sponsored by Virgin at Templeton College, Oxford University - where he now holds an associate fellowship.

Our league tables have spotted many success stories long before they floated, such as chip designer ARM and Carphone Warehouse. They have also helped raise the profile of smaller companies such as Cobra Beer, Sophos, Travelex, and Dyson.

The first Fast Track 100 annual league table was published in The Sunday Times in December 1997, with title sponsors Virgin.

Profit Track 100 was first published in May 2000, title sponsors are PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Tech Track 100 was published for the first time in November 2001, title sponsors are Microsoft.

Top Track 100 was first published in July 2002, title sponsors are Deloitte.

Top Track 250 was published for the first time in October 2005, title sponsors are HSBC.

Buyout Track 100 was published for the first time in February 2007, title sponsors are Deloitte.

Fast Track's three main activities are: researching private companies and producing the league tables; hosting national awards events; and organising bespoke dinners for entrepreneurs and sponsors to meet.