Cobalt Sky Buys Corner of Shed

London-based research technology firm Cobalt Sky has taken a 25% stake in Discovery Group's online qual research tool The Thinking Shed, which has now been spun off into a separate limited company.

Launched in 2009, The Thinking Shed offers a platform through which to enhance the online respondent-researcher experience. It can be used on a standalone basis, or as part of a mixed methodology, and Discovery Group co-founder Ken Parker says it is ideal for anything from insight communities to pre-and post-group tasks. In addition, the tool also provides an omnibus solution called Qualibites.

Through the deal, in which Discovery retains 75% of the business, the two firms will join forces to develop the tool further.

Parker explains: 'Not only does the team at Cobalt Sky already know our business well, they understand the needs of the many researchers who have been using The Thinking Shed to assist in their qualitative research projects. Having an expert business partner so rooted in the market research industry will allow us all to be proactive in the future development and continued success of the tool.'

Cobalt Sky provides IT services to the market research industry, encompassing web surveys, data processing, analytics, dashboards and portals. MD Raz Khan says the investment provides a 'great opportunity' to extend its scope to include qual solutions.

Web sites: www.cobalt-sky.com , www.discoveryres.co.uk and www.thethinkingshed.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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