Slow company

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For the song "Slow Company" by The American Analog Set, see Know by Heart

A slow company is a business philosophy that is contrasted to fast company.

Most businesses see speed of growth as a measure of success, and aggressive growth is typically encouraged. In contrast, slow company is an approach that pursues tradition and the creative aspects of organizing business. While such businesses can respond quickly to customer's needs, they have measured, organic growth. They tend to contain value growth with long-term relationships and priorities but react slowly to growth pressures. The term "slow company" is fashioned after Slow Food, a movement started in Italy as a resistance movement to "Fast Food".

The slow company approach is supported by a number of open source companies which combine public interest and innovation.

In what may be considered a violation of the initial Italian emphasis, some uses of slow company take a hybrid approach with a solid groundwork for subsequent strong growth:

To be fast, you first have to be slow and get things right. ... Slow Companies allow for "set-up time" to test and reject ideas, refine the business format and develop a winning culture - then grow exponentially and fast. They have a disciplined approach to innovation.¹