Chicago-based dscout, a research platform for unlocking in-context user insights, acquired Los Angeles-based Panelfox, a software platform that helps researchers build panels and manage recruitment for research.
The acquisition will enable dscout to enter the mid-market space, providing a user research management platform at an entry-level price point optimized for smaller teams and less mature research organizations.
Dscout enables researchers to recruit, field, manage, analyze and share insights with a greater degree of flexibility, control, speed and impact. Its “Recruit” feature enables researchers to find participants.
“In many ways, Panelfox is a natural extension of dscout’s existing user research management platform,” Panelfox founder Michael Mukhin said. “Both teams care deeply about people and share the same vision of human-centered design through best practices in research tools. Dscout places a high value on user experience and beautiful design and has the potential to radically change the way businesses conduct human experience research. We are proud to contribute to this effort.”
In addition, dscout also appointed Brad Talkington as CFO and Julie Norvaisas as VP of research. Talkington joins dscout from Enverus, where he led financial diligence and integration of more than 20 acquisitions ranging from $5 million to over $100 million in revenue. Norvaisas comes to dscout from LinkedIn, where she served as head of user experience research and content design. The company also announced Ben Hogg, managing director international, will lead its new office location in the UK.
Founded in 2011, dscout has increased its headcount by 70% in the last 12 months. It secured a $70 million series C investment led by Guidepost Growth Equity in March 2022.