Horizon Capital has invested in specialist software and data analytics businesses ResearchBods and Bonamy Finch to form STRAT7. The combination creates a leading customer insights group with proprietary software and a strong data analytics capability.
The group consists of three specialist capabilities; ResearchBods which utilises proprietary software to harness customer data and intelligence, LiFE which provides data enrichment services incorporating AI and machine learning, and Bonamy Finch which creates actionable insights through primary research and advanced data analytics.
Demand for STRAT7’s technology-led customer insight and advanced analytics services is growing at a significant rate driven by the proliferation in the volume and variety of customer data available, technological advances in data-enabled market research and an increasing move towards customer-centricity to improve competitive position.
Horizon Capital’s investment in STRAT7 will take advantage of a rapidly-growing and fragmented market, both organically and through further acquisitions, to expand its offering and exploit international growth opportunities.
Horizon Capital has a strong track record of investing in technology and tech-enabled services and specialises in supporting companies with their acquisition strategies. The acquisitions were completed off-market. This is the first new platform deal out of Horizon Capital’s 2018 Fund.
The Group will be led by CEO Barrie Brien (former CEO of Creston plc) who has extensive experience of building businesses in this market.
The deal was led by Horizon Capital Partner Adam Lewis, supported by Tom Maizels. Adam and Tom will join the STRAT7 Board.
STRAT7 has over 100 staff across offices in London, Leeds, and Surrey, and is retained by a number of global brands including ASDA, Coca-Cola, Disney, Electrolux, ITV, O2, Pernod Ricard and TUI.
Barrie Brien, CEO, STRAT7 said: “We saw an opportunity to bring together best in class specialisms that span the range of data services to help organisations deliver data for better decision making. I’m delighted to be partnering with Horizon Capital and I look forward to building our capabilities even further to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Adam Lewis, Partner at Horizon Capital said, “We identified the customer insight and analytics market to be a high-growth, fragmented market. The combination of ResearchBods and Bonamy Finch represents a compelling offering for Enterprise customers, with market-leading technology and analytics capabilities that deliver significant ROI. We look forward to working with Barrie and the wider management team to help the business realise its growth ambitions and to supporting further acquisitions.”
