This week, after almost 10 years, my Gregslist of Phoenix Software Companies officially moves to a new home and a new host at PHX FWD at https://www.phxfwd.org/the-list.
I created Gregslist.com/Phoenix as a comprehensive, curated, and accurate list of all the software companies in Phoenix, starting back in 2016.
My list started with 120 software companies with founders that I knew, and it grew from there.
Now, there are 661 real, active software, SaaS, and AI companies on the list based here in Arizona.
There was a lot more going on in the Phoenix software scene than anyone can see–and that hasn’t changed.
That’s why I created the list–and to help founders connect with talent, funding, expert help, and other founders in town.
Over 3 million visitors have used Gregslist in the last 10 years. And I hear from people all the time who found jobs, got funding, found customers, and even got acquired because they were found there.
I was at the center of the Phoenix software scene for 25 years, starting in the 1990s, but in 2019, I moved back to the Dallas area with my wife, where we met 30-something years ago.
A lot has changed in the software landscape since COVID, and now with the AI wave. So it’s time for Gregslist to move on to the new center of the Phoenix software ecosystem–PHX FWD.
I’m excited that Clate Mask and Becky Winter are going to host this as the up-to-date “LIST by PHX FWD” of software companies in Phoenix.
Gregslist has been curated and updated with AI all these years — Actual Intelligence. By me and my operations leader, Donna Hacker. People who know and care about crazy software founders in Phoenix.
Now, Becky and the team will add companies to the list each month and update it continually. They know what’s going on in the Phoenix software scene more than I do these days.
I expect this list will grow by 100 software companies in 2026.
These days, I’m focused on helping serious software founders across North America and Europe who are building valuable software companies without significant VC funding.
I call them Practical Founders. I curate and host five monthly CEO peer group meetings with these serious founders — 45 CEOs in total. And I host the Practical Founders Podcast at practicalfounders.com.
If you’re a founder of a software company, THANK YOU for solving a painful problem in the world with software.
I know how hard it is to create and grow a real company. It’s worth it.
And Phoenix needs you.
Thanks, Clate and Becky! See you soon.
