The VC arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), OMERS Ventures has invested $20M in Vancouver’s Vision Critical Communications. Founded in 2000 by Andrew Reid, son of acclaimed Canadian market research executive Angus Reid, Vision Critical combines elements of market research and technology to create solutions for various clients.
The company provides a wide range of services including market research consulting, general population panels and various related software solutions. In terms of software, the company’s famed SparqTM community panel platform is used by as many as 25% of the world’s top brands including Starbucks and General Motors. Vision currently boasts over 600 clients and 500 employees according to the FP.
A true family affair, Angus joined his son’s company as CEO in 2004 after the sale of his research firm Angus Reid Group to France’s Ipsos SA (creating Ipsos Reid). According to the older Reid, there is growing demand for strategic consumer market research. The firm plans on harnessing the vast potential the internet holds as a two way communication tool for enterprise and consumers.
The investment, announced earlier today marks the second time this summer season that OMERS Ventures has dipped into the West Coast of Canada. The firm invested $16M in Vancouver-based online building material supplier BuildDirect in June (TQ was on it).
According to the FP, the company plans on using the funding to further expand their service lines and pursue further global growth. The company currently has offices in North America, Europe and Australia.
Dropbox Does the Two-Step, Adds Protection Update for Your Files
Bringing Colour to the Galaxy S III – Samsung Debuts Brown, Red, Black and Grey Models
Lunches So Good Kids Can’t Ignore Them
Invigorating Ginger Smoothie
The U.K.’s Youngest Parents Ever
The new hair Jennifer Lawrence