Segmentation and Modelling in 2011

‘Preference Predicting’ Patent for Affinnova - 19/8/11

Concept testing and forecasting software specialist Affinnova has secured a patent for a system of ‘predicting personal preferences’, designed by the firm’s VP of Analytics Kevin Karty.

Empower Buys Data Mining and Analysis Firm MIG - 4/8/11

In the US, full-service marketing agency Empower MediaMarketing has acquired data analysis and mining specialist Market Intelligence Group (MIG). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Behavioral Targeting Firm OwnerIQ Raises $7m - 21/6/11

In the US, online behavioral targeting firm OwnerIQ has raised $7m in a new round of funding, which it will use to expand its proprietary data solutions and enhance its media-buying platform.

Lightspeed Launches Custom Panels and Communities Offer - 6/6/11

Lightspeed Research has unveiled a new custom panels and communities offering, Lightspeed Engage, which promises to give clients ‘access to relevant consumer insights wherever, whenever and however they need them.’

Experian Debuts Customer ‘Cloning’ for SMEs - 26/5/11

Database and marketing services giant Experian has launched a new service offering small businesses the chance to ‘clone’ their existing customers, identifying hot prospects by analysing the key characteristics of those already on the books.

SPA Future Thinking Rolls Out Sales Forecaster - 4/5/11

UK-based full service agency SPA Future Thinking has launched Apollonius, a new sales forecasting model that combines research data, category data and marketing information to predict pre-launch sales values and volumes for a product’s first two years on-shelf.

MarketShare Raises $32m from Bono’s Investment Firm - 14/4/11

In the US, cross-media analytics firm MarketShare has closed a $32m ‘follow-on’ investment from Elevation Partners, whose MD and co-founder is U2 front man Bono.

Affectiva Gets Grant for Online Facial Reader - 4/3/11

US-based facial recognition technology firm Affectiva has been awarded a grant to develop an online version of its software, which enables computers to recognize human expressions and deduce emotional and cognitive states.

Synovate Partners with comScore for m360 - 28/2/11

Synovate division Marketing Management Analytics (MMA) has announced m360, a new marketing mix modelling solution using comScore data to provide a direct comparison of all media activities in a single analysis.

Online Games Analyst Launches - 8/2/11

In the UK, game industry specialist Chris Wright has launched a company helping online game publishers with data mining and monetisation. Services include real-time behavioural analytics, predictive modelling and individual targeted in-game marketing.

Omnicom Buys Communispace and The Modellers - 7/2/11

Omnicom Group has acquired Salt Lake City-based advanced analytics firm The Modellers, on Friday; and followed up today with the acquisition of online community specialist Communispace Corporation.

Kiosk Picks Your Food from Your Face - 27/1/11

Manufacturing giant Kraft Foods has partnered with chip maker Intel to develop a self-service kiosk housing digital signage, which scans shoppers’ faces and then (wait for it...) recommends what they should cook for dinner.