Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. magazine today ranked Prodégé, parent company of Swagbucks.com, #43 on its 30th annual Inc. 500, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America’s independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500.

The 2011 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 23 to November 15 and on Inc.com), is a group of companies that are smaller but much faster-growing than last year’s crop. Aggregate revenue is $10.5 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,275 percent. The companies on this year's list employ more than 46,000 people and generated over 35,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc.com/500.

Powered by Prodégé, Swagbucks.com is the leading online rewards destination that enables users to earn virtual currency and real life rewards for the everyday actions they take online - from searching the web to playing games to shopping online and many more. Prodégé was founded in 2006, but the company’s growth accelerated with the launch of Swagbucks.com in 2008. Prodégé has experienced more than 4,000% revenue growth in the past three years.

"We feel privileged to be recognized by Inc. for our company growth. From day one, we’ve focused on building the most trusted and enduring online rewards program, and in turn, creating a business with staying power. The result is Swagbucks.com, a rapidly growing user base that has been awarded over $15 million in prizes," said Scott Dudelson, COO of Prodégé and Swagbucks.com.

Methodology

The 2011 Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2007. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2010. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2007 is $100,000; the minimum for 2010 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.

About Prodégé

Founded in 2006, Prodégé has developed over 150 online reward programs including the web's most popular rewards destination - Swagbucks.com. Swagbucks.com enables users to earn virtual currency that can be redeemed for real life rewards for the everyday actions they take online - from searching the web to playing games to shopping online and many more. Prodégé also runs a network of branded rewards portals for some of the most popular brands in the world including World Wrestling Entertainment, KISS, Green Bay Packers, Star Trek and more. For more information, visit www.prodege.com.

About Swagbucks.com

Swagbucks.com is the leading online rewards destination that enables users to earn virtual currency and real life rewards for the everyday actions they take online - from searching the web to playing games to shopping online and many more. Users can redeem their Swag Bucks for valuable rewards - including electronics, apparel, gift cards, donations to charities, and much more. Based in Torrance, Calif., the completely bootstrapped company is the web’s most reputable, trusted online destination to earn free stuff. Since its launch in 2008, Swagbucks.com has awarded more than $15 million in prizes to users.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.

About the Inc. 500|5000 Conference

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars--the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. community, both a new class of Inc. 500|5000 honorees and the list’s alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us September 22-24, 2011, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, located minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. For more information about the 2011 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony and to register, visit www.inc500conference.com or call 866-901-3205.