Since Lyft's founding in 2012, we've built a culture that pushes some of tech's sharpest thinkers to take risks — from creating an entirely new transportation category to building products our customers actually want. Our team isn't afraid to speak up, try new things, and find better ways to serve riders and drivers.

That’s why we’re honored to be named on Fast Company’s 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list, which celebrates global organizations that empower employee innovation and drive breakthrough thinking across the business. This isn’t a celebration of good snacks or fun perks (though we do have those too!)

Why We Made the List

Every product decision, every team member, and every ride helps connect millions of people to the places and people that matter most to them. Innovation at Lyft can be seen across all of our features and products. Take for example our lost and found process, which included creating a “lost phone” website because everyone can relate to the panic and stress of realizing that you’ve left your phone behind. As it’s one of the most frustrating experiences for both riders and drivers, we set out to fix it.

Now, we’re able to connect riders and drivers instantly when a phone is left behind - with a friend’s device, a work phone, or web browser. The result? Successful phone returns nearly doubled. Plus, riders are hearing back 81% faster and support ticket volume has decreased by 19%, making this a winning idea across the entire business.

Innovation is part of our culture

Lyft hosts programs that encourage team members to keep innovating year round, like AI Week, monthly link-ups, Employee Resource Groups, Manager Summits, and a Mentorship Program.

Then there’s our Hackathon, a yearly event where team members create new innovations for a prize. Over the years, Hackathon has resulted in several patent-pending projects and many of our most-loved features like Pet Mode, Restroom Finder, Lyft Silver, Lyft Teen, and Driver Accomplishment Letters.

We build all of this around one idea: give people the room to solve real problems for riders and drivers, and they will. That's what keeps Lyft team members motivated, and why we’re honored to be recognized among Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators.