Hyperwear just made the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year — and this time, we got to ring in the news from the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.
We rank No. 2,210 overall on the 2026 Inc. 5000, the annual ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies, based on revenue growth over the past three years. Within that, we placed No. 166 in Consumer Products, No. 240 in Texas, and No. 74 among companies in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area.
Hyperwear founder and CEO Dirk Buikema joined a group of fellow Inc. 5000 founders at the Nasdaq Opening Bell ceremony to mark the list's official unveiling.
"Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 for a second consecutive year is a meaningful recognition of the creativity and resilience of the Hyperwear team," said Buikema. "Joining fellow founders for the Opening Bell in Times Square is an extraordinary way to celebrate. Our growth reflects a focused commitment to the science of weighted resistance. Hyperwear has spent more than a decade developing the thinnest, most adjustable weighted vests built with stretch performance fabrics. We continue to work to strengthen the research, expert review and practical education behind our products. That is why we recently announced our Science Advisor, Dr. Kristen Beavers."
Why this milestone matters right now
Weighted vests have moved well beyond the sports performance world. We're seeing the category grow into walking, rucking, strength training, women's health, active aging and longevity — which tracks with what we hear from our own customers every day. Our full functional-fitness lineup now reaches athletes, active-aging consumers, garage gyms, coaches, health clubs, schools and studio facilities, through Hyperwear.com, Amazon and our commercial channels.
What's driving the growth
Two platforms are doing the heavy lifting:
Our premium Hyper Vest® men's and women's weighted vests remain the core of the business — built with washable performance fabrics and thin, adjustable steel weights that allow for progressive loading across walking, running, rucking, strength training and sports performance.
Our second growth platform, workout sandbags, just expanded with the launch of Hybrid Race™ Training Sandbags — pre-filled, no-leak bags available in 10 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg, built to Hyrox race-compatible training weights for hybrid athletes and commercial gyms.
Alongside the product line, we've been investing in the research, expert review and practical education behind what we make — a commitment reflected in our recent announcement of Dr. Kristen Beavers as Science Advisor.
What's next
We're marking this recognition across our website and social channels, and we're not slowing down. If you want to see what the next decade of weighted resistance looks like, the best place to start is with the gear: Hyper Vest weighted vests and the new Hybrid Race™ Training Sandbags are both available now at Hyperwear.com.
About Hyperwear: Founded in Austin in 2011, Hyperwear designs patented, versatile functional-fitness equipment and is best known for premium adjustable Hyper Vest® weighted vests. We combine product design with practical, evidence-informed education for strength, mobility, conditioning and fitness-racing preparation. Guided by our mission to help everyone Get Strong for Life®, Hyperwear serves consumers, coaches, clubs, schools, fitness professionals and commercial facilities. Learn more at Hyperwear.com and follow @hyperwear on Instagram.
