Workiva has grown from a promising startup into a global leader

In the heart of the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP), Workiva has grown from a promising startup into a global leader in assured, integrated reporting and compliance solutions. Since its founding as WebFilings in 2008, the company has transformed how organizations handle the complexities of financial and non-financial reporting, helping thousands of businesses worldwide streamline workflows, ensure data consistency, and improve transparency.

Workiva’s evolution is a testament to its commitment to solving some of the most intricate challenges businesses face in an increasingly regulated and data-driven world.

“We shine where data consistency, integrity, and accuracy are critical, particularly in financial reporting, risk management, and sustainability,” explains David Haila, EVP and Chief Technology Officer. Unlike competitors that provide fragmented solutions, Workiva’s cloud-based platform integrates disparate data into a single, secure system that empowers collaboration and delivers real-time insights.

Today, Workiva serves more than 6,300 organizations across 170 countries, including 85% of the Fortune 500®. These companies rely on Workiva to connect critical business data directly from source systems to its platform, seamlessly enabling processes that demand precision, transparency, and accountability.

Rooted in Iowa, Thriving Globally

Iowa has proven to be more than just a headquarters for Workiva; it’s been a foundation for growth. The decision to establish operations in Ames was both practical and strategic as the company was getting started.

“We started in Iowa because it was an efficient place to launch a software company,” says Jill Klindt, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “Our resources stretched further here, and the supportive ecosystem provided by ISURP, Iowa State University, and local organizations was instrumental to our success.”

In its early years, Workiva faced the logistical challenges of rapid growth. Its operations spanned several buildings within ISURP, but the Research Park’s flexibility allowed the company to scale seamlessly. Today, Workiva occupies a state-of-the-art campus that consolidates its operations into a single hub. The campus is designed not only for efficiency but also for collaboration, fostering a sense of community among employees and reinforcing its connection to ISURP’s innovation ecosystem.

“The Research Park’s resources and community have been invaluable,” says Klindt. “From logistical support in our early years to fostering connections with other innovative companies and Iowa State University, ISURP has been more than just a location—it’s been a partner in our growth.”

A Symbiotic Relationship with Iowa State University

Workiva’s close proximity to Iowa State University has been central to its talent acquisition strategy and innovation efforts.

“Iowa State’s academic excellence and talent pool have been critical to our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent,” says Emily Forrester, SVP & Chief People Officer. The company draws heavily from the university’s engineering and business programs, with many of its employees and interns having direct ties to ISU.

Beyond recruitment, Workiva’s collaboration with the university extends to initiatives that strengthen the local and academic community. For example, the company has partnered with Iowa State to sponsor student groups, contribute to sustainability initiatives, and participate in programs like mock behavioral interviews. These activities not only enrich students’ professional development but also align with Workiva’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity.

“Our relationship with the university goes beyond recruitment,” says Renee Lee, Senior Manager, Public Affairs. “We’ve partnered on sustainability projects and supported student groups, contributing to a shared vision for innovation and community impact.”

The partnership is mutually beneficial. Workiva gains access to a steady pipeline of high-quality talent, while Iowa State students benefit from internships and early career opportunities that expose them to cutting-edge technology and corporate leadership.

A Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Workiva’s values of sustainability, community engagement, and innovation are reflected in its Ames headquarters. The campus includes a corporate garden that supplies fresh produce for its café, exemplifying the company’s focus on environmental stewardship. This commitment is mirrored in the company’s broader mission, including the development of solutions like Workiva Carbon for carbon accounting and decarbonization.

Employees are encouraged to give back to the community through 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually, with an additional eight hours dedicated to Workiva’s global day of service. These initiatives create a culture of engagement and responsibility, fostering a workplace that prioritizes both professional growth and community impact.

“Our location in ISURP allows us to connect with the local community while driving innovation on a global scale,” says Forrester. “It’s not just about where we work—it’s about the impact we make.”

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The ISU Research Park has played an instrumental role in Workiva’s growth, providing a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. By situating itself within the Park, Workiva is part of a larger ecosystem of forward-thinking companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

“This is more than a place to work—it’s a place where ideas are born, tested, and scaled,” says Haila. During their early start-up days, ISURP support services handled many operational details, such as snow removal and facilities management, allowing Workiva to maintain a lean operational structure and focus on their technology and mission. “As our need for space grew, ISURP was always there to offer solutions, which enabled us to concentrate on innovation,” added Haila.

Looking to the Future

As Workiva continues to expand its offerings, it continues to value the support that the ISU Research Park provides. The company’s presence in Ames has a ripple effect, benefiting the local economy and fostering a culture of innovation in central Iowa.

“Our journey from startup to global leader in reporting and compliance has been remarkable, and much of that success can be attributed to the resources and relationships we’ve built here in Ames,” says Klindt. “We’re excited about what’s next—both for Workiva and for the community that has supported us along the way.”