Clarifai, Thalmic, Wealthsimple Named Among ‘Breakthrough Brands’

Interbrand this week announced its second annual list of Breakthrough Brands.

The report, completed in partnership with New York Stock Exchange, Ready Set Rocket, and Facebook, recognizes 40 disruptive brands that “define progress and the potential to grow.”

After analyzing hundreds of submissions from global influencers and open public submissions, 40 brands were selected. The report features brands to watch and incorporates a deep dive into growth and innovation across North America and globally.

“There are moments throughout the life of your business when you enter a new stage of growth,” said Jez Frampton, Interbrand’s Global CEO. “For Breakthrough Brands, it’s realizing there’s a gap or a need in the marketplace, and filling it. These brands are catalysts as they are not just setting new standards for other brands, they’re breaking them.”

This year’s list includes Clarifai, which raised $30 million last year to apply artificial intelligence to content recognition, and Wealthsimple, a rapidly growing financial technology startup based in Canada.

“Staying agile in the face of change means constant access to the latest breakthroughs, innovations and experiences,” said Chief Communications Officer of Interbrand, Paola Norambuena. “These Breakthrough Brands are evidence of changing dynamics, and the insights they embody are ones that brands and businesses of every size need to understand and embrace.”

Based on the list, the report identified a variety of insights, including:

  • Brands that are looking to improve our lives by removing concerns, obstacles, and unnecessary interactions. The good life “is not about more, but better.”
  • Brands leading the artificial intelligence charge—by both creating and harnessing these new tools—are “going to dictate the future with this breakthrough technology.”
  • By leveraging tech innovation and pooling previously unmanageable amounts of information, new brands are “improving the entire spectrum of care.”