Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of the company's flagship CAD software product AutoCAD, and 12 others. Autodesk software has been used in the design of everything from the New York Freedom Tower to Tesla electric cars. Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California and features a gallery of its customers' work in its San Francisco building. In March 2008 Autodesk was named number 25 on Fast Company's list of "The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies." The company is often seen as a bellwether for the broader economy because its software is used in many major global construction projects and the manufacturing of new products.