PlaySpan, the gaming industry’s first publisher sponsored in-game commerce network has been named a Red Herring Top 100 winner, an award given to the most innovative private technology companies in North America.

The Red Herring editorial board diligently evaluated more than 800 applicants from North America’s entrepreneurial scene, narrowing the field to a mere 100 winners. Nominees were evaluated on quantitative and qualitative criteria including financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, and execution of strategy.

"Having received more than 800 submissions, it is clear that we are witnessing a new outburst of creativity," said Joel Dreyfuss, Editor-in-Chief of Red Herring. "With venture capital flowing again, it’s exciting to see technology innovators and business investors collaborate to create disruptive technologies. The Red Herring 100 North America companies are impressive up-and-comers, and definitely the ones to watch."

"We are honored to receive this award and to be amongst the most inventive companies in North America," said Karl Mehta, CEO of PlaySpan. "The Red Herring editorial board has a long history of distinctly recognizing market leading companies and our inclusion in the 2008 Top 100 is very gratifying."

"The PlaySpan team has shown great foresight in recognizing the industry transition from retail and subscription business models to microtransaction-based economies for monetization," said Shawn Carolan, Managing Director of Menlo Ventures. "It is wonderful to see both customers and the press recognize their position as the preeminent platform partner to help content providers thrive in this new paradigm."