37signals

Basecamp emerged in 2004 as a rejection of bloated project management software. Instead of adding features, 37signals removed them—building a tool focused on clarity over complexity. Today, Basecamp and HEY serve creative agencies, startups, and enterprises who want straightforward tools that don't require training manuals. The company also created Ruby on Rails, the open-source web framework that powers Shopify, GitHub, and thousands of other applications.

Remote work isn't a perk at 37signals—it's foundational. The company has been fully distributed since its founding, with team members across dozens of cities and multiple continents. They practice what they preach: 40-hour weeks, minimal meetings, asynchronous communication, and a four-day summer schedule (May through August). Co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson literally wrote the book on remote work ("Remote: Office Not Required") alongside "Rework" and "It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work."

Benefits reflect the calm company philosophy: 20 days PTO plus 11 holidays, a six-week paid sabbatical every three years, 100% employer-paid dental and vision, profit sharing after two years, and an employee liquidity pool worth 10% of company value if ever sold. The whole company gathers twice yearly for in-person retreats.