2026 High Growth Study
Hinge Research Institute's 2026 High Growth Study (January 2026; n=495) found that Nearly 1 in 3 firms believe AI is disrupting their businesses.
Key findings
- 01Median growth for professional services firms cooled to 9.9%, the lowest since 2018.
- 02High Growth firms' interest in AI jumped 63%, with 85.2% naming it a top priority for further study.
- 03High Growth firms spend about 12% of revenue on marketing versus 5% for non-growth firms.
By the numbers
Nearly 1 in 3firms believe AI is disrupting their businesses
85.2%of High Growth firms name AI a top priority for further study
9.9%median growth rate for professional services firms, the lowest since 2018
What it means for you Draft
For executives at $10–100M companies
Growth is getting harder across professional services, and the firms still growing fast are pairing AI curiosity with heavier investment in marketing and visible expertise. For a $10–100M firm, AI may help with efficiency, but this study suggests it does not replace the relationships and reputation that still drive most new business.
Limitations
Medium trust.Consistent annual study of PS firms; self-reported growth; Hinge sells marketing services to PS firms, which shapes framing.
About the publisher: Part of a marketing firm for professional services.
Hinge Research Institute. "2026 High Growth Study." January 13, 2026. https://hingemarketing.com/blog/story/5-key-takeaways-from-the-2026-high-growth-study
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