Datassential / Spectrum Equity

Datassential, the leading provider of data, intelligence and market research to the foodservice industry, has received a significant growth investment from Spectrum Equity, a leading growth equity firm investing in the information economy.

Datassential, headquartered in Chicago and with offices in Los Angeles, is a leading provider of information and analysis to the food industry. The company provides a suite of subscription-based solutions and market research that help the food industry make and sell better products, including menu trends, consumer rating scores, LTO updates (limited time offer), trend analysis, food reports and sales tools. Clients utilize Datassential to inform their strategies for platform development, line extensions, customer acquisition, relationship management, equity measurement, positioning development and customer loyalty. The company’s SaaS platform is sold on a subscription basis to more than 200 foodservice companies. Datassential is in the early stages of leveraging its capabilities to enter the CPG and alcohol markets. It recently launched a new product with significant growth potential, a personalized food recommendation tool called Haiku.

Spectrum Equity is a leading growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support to innovative Internet, software and information services companies. For 25 years, the firm has partnered with high growth companies across the information economy. Spectrum Equity is currently investing the firm’s eighth fund with US$1.25 billion in capital.

Oaklins’ team in Los Angeles advised the seller in this transaction.

“In July 2015 we founded Pure Cremation and have grown the business to become the largest independent provider of prepaid plans in the UK. Pure is only part way through its exciting journey and, after a rigorous search process, we are delighted to have found such a strong partner in Epiris.

The finnCap Cavendish team, led by Jonathan Buxton and Ben Goldring, did a fantastic job, running a truly competitive process and managing the transaction with great skill. They were crucial in delivering this deal and its successful outcome – many thanks to the whole team.”

Bryan Powell and Catherine Powell, Co-Founders of Pure Cremation

Time is the most valuable commodity of any entrepreneur, and Zuleika and the team at finnCap have been exceptional in helping us secure today’s investment whilst enabling us to also focus time and effort on growing the business. This marks the latest milestone on our journey but it’s by no means our final destination, we are here to help people fall in love with taking the train again, and enable operators to run more profitable networks full of happier, less stressed passengers – it’s long overdue .”

Iain Griffin, Co-founder and CEO of Seatfrog

“In completing this transaction, we wanted to ensure that the growth and success of the business that we have built to date is the foundation for further expansion in the years to come. We are delighted with the outcome and we would like to thank the team at finnCap Cavendish for all of their help throughout this process. They are experts at advising founders and entrepreneurs and they provided us with invaluable advice and guidance throughout.”

Hugo Douglas-Pennant and Martyn Bell, co-founders of Bramblecrest

“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of this deal and are excited to be joining DNV. This strategic decision will enable us to further accelerate our long-term growth objectives and showcase our unique LUNA technology. Karri and Harry have achieved an outstanding result for us through their wealth of sector expertise and highly commercial advice and it has been a joy working with them.”

Barry Mulholland, Founding Partner at MBI

“We are delighted to be partnering with Rockpool. This transaction will enable us to accelerate our long-term growth objectives and help expand our international presence, especially in the US. Karri and Amy achieved a fantastic result for us and their ecommerce sector expertise, professionalism and unwavering dedication throughout the process were instrumental in achieving a successful completion.”

Nick Comer, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Rosetta Brands

“We are immensely grateful for the hard work and expertise we received from finnCap in securing this fundraise. Zuleika’s knowledge and communication skills were outstanding. It is the first time we have raised external funds so we were heavily reliant on their introductions, all of which were a good fit for Ro&Zo. Zuleika’s guidance through the process was exemplary. We are delighted to have chosen Pembroke as our new shareholders and look forward to a long relationship with them as we continue our growth strategy.”

Rachel Heather, CEO and Co-Founder, Ro&Zo

“On behalf of all of the shareholders at Peach, a huge thank you to the team at finnCap Cavendish – they have done a great job. With the unprecedented macro back-drop that we have all been experiencing, we needed an adviser who was thoughtful, tenacious and prepared to go the extra mile. We got of all this in spades from the finnCap Cavendish team and it has been a pleasure to work with them. We would not hesitate to recommend them to other business founders and entrepreneurs who are in need of experience-led judgement and advice.”

Hamish Stoddart, co-founder & CEO, Peach Pubs

“We engaged with finnCap Cavendish over 18 months ago to help us prepare for sale. The team’s sector specialist advice and guidance, combined with astute management of every aspect of the transaction process, delivered an exceptional deal that has surpassed all expectation, our shareholders are delighted”.

Rupert Emson, Co-founder-CEO, Vero Screening

“I would also like to thank the team at finnCap Cavendish. They have done a great job in finding us the right buyer and running a smart and efficient process. Their support throughout has been excellent and combined with their commercial approach and sector knowledge, they have made great advisers for us.”

Morgan Davies, Founder of Barburrito

“Joe Stelzer and his team at finnCap Cavendish were the perfect partners as we navigated this exciting next step for the group. The firm’s wealth of expertise in advising entrepreneurial growth businesses, partnered with their quality of service and professionalism was invaluable and helped make this deal function as smoothly as possible.”

Charles Barnett, Managing Director & Founder, Lyco Group