WiseWorks Execs Launch Private Equity Firm

Canada-based online sample and research technology specialist WiseWorks has launched a private equity vehicle called Hygiia Ventures, which will invest in artificial intelligence, big data, analytics and machine learning firms. Separately, Ryan Kagan has joined WiseWorks as CFO.

WiseWorks boasts proprietary specialty panels in more than 25 countries, focusing on B2B sample and harder to reach consumer segments like 'moms with babies', ethnic groups and specific ailments. As well as its headquarters in Toronto, the company has offices in Munich, New York, Singapore, New Delhi and Ahmedabad.

The new private equity business, Hygiia Ventures, will provide funds to privately held companies and offer them operational and strategic support. Its team includes President, Gaurav Agarwal, who is the founder and CEO of WiseWorks; SVP, Pratik Sharma; VP, Nimai Sharma; and new CFO Kagan as Strategic Advisor. In a statement, the Hygiia Ventures team said it is seeking investment opportunities which fall in line with its philosophy focusing on 'people', 'purpose', 'proof of concept' and 'partnership'. The company will also consider cases where there are needs for recapitalization and/or acquisition.

Kagan brings experience from roles as CEO of GroupKitchens, which operates communal kitchens for various delivery apps; and CFO of OnDemand CPA, which provides bookkeeping services to restaurant and retail owner operators. He is also a director of organic products firm Pai Skincare, and previously ran Ryan Kagan Accounting & Advisory Inc.

Web sites: www.wiseworksresearch.com and www.hygiiaventures.com .

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