Data Intelligence Platform Near Acquires Location Data Company UM
This acquisition illustrates Near's global footprint expansion.
Singapore-headquartered intelligence platform on people and places Near announced it is acquiring data insights leader, UM (formerly UberMedia). This move will enable Near to enhance its portfolio of data intelligence products for its customers in the US market, just like its acquisition of French startup Teemo last November had helped its expansion into Europe.
UM is a leading provider of data insights and analytics solutions for Fortune 100 and 500 organizations, large research firms, universities, and more. The company’s innovative technology platform, Vista, specializes in aggregating, cleansing, and contextualizing large data sets to inform more timely, accurate, and strategic business decisions. Customers include RAND Corporation, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Columbia University, Yale University, and many others.
“Our combined offerings will make it easier for customers to gain critical insights from their data to dramatically improve their business operations and strategic decision-making. We are thrilled to officially welcome UM to the Near family, and look forward to our continued growth in the US market,” said Anil Mathews, Founder and CEO of Near.
Joining forces will enable Near and UM to leverage their combined expertise in data intelligence and analytics to help organizations globally access the insights they need to drive digital transformation initiatives. Both companies experienced significant growth in 2020 despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
UM will become Near Americas, headquartered in Pasadena, California. The CEO of UM, Gladys Kong, will join Near’s executive team as CEO of Near Americas.
“We knew the day would come when we’d find the perfect company to join forces with to scale our technology to reach even broader audiences—and we found that in Near,” she said. “Our focus has been on making data accessible in order to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors—and we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved. We’re excited to embark on this next chapter and look forward to even greater success with our new partner.”
