Boston’s Cue Ball Group Named One of America’s Best Small Companies

Photo by Wilson Loo Kok Wee on Flickr/Creative Commons

The Cue Ball Group, a Boston-based venture capital firm headquartered in Faneuil Hall, was named one of the best small companies in America by Forbes.

Cue Ball—which employs 12, counts 21 companies in its portfolio, and rakes in $200 million in revenue—is New England’s sole representative on Forbes‘ list. To be considered, companies must be “privately owned and closely held,” displaying sound financial health for the last 10 years, and generally recognized for both its outstanding work, as well as its contributions to the community.

“All of the companies on this list have had opportunities to get as big as possible, as fast as possible,” contributor Bo Burlingham writes. “Growth is good, but the leaders of these companies have had other, nonfinancial priorities as well, such as being great at what they do, creating great places to work, providing great service to customers, making great contributions to their communities and finding great ways to lead their lives. The wealth they create, though substantial, is a by-product of success in these other areas.”

In an accompanying feature, Cue Ball’s John Hamel and CEO Tony Tjan are spotlighted for crafting “one of the most unusual venture capital firms in America.” It begins with Cue Ball’s attempt to “Starbuck”—that is, turn a fragmented industry into a premium product—a nail salon, resulting in the wildly successful Miniluxe chain.

You can check out Forbes‘ full list here.