Maven Research Announces Close of $1 million Seed Round to Expand 'Real-Time Research' Network

Accel Partners, Patrick McKenna, Edward Zander, William Krepick, and Jeremie Bacon invest in seed round to create a ‘real-time’ research and micro-consulting leader

MAVEN RESEARCH, (San Francisco, CA) the premier Global Knowledge Marketplace and online micro-consulting platform, today announced the recent completion of its seed financing round of $1 million.

Maven Research provides an easy-to-use, technology-enabled platform for micro-consulting and real-time research. Over 30 VC and PE firms, as well as product management teams, consulting firms, and researchers have accessed Maven’s global network.  As of April 2010, over 15,000 expert “Mavens” across a wide range of industries and professions have already signed up to Maven. Clients have already used Maven Research to speak to experts in a broad array of topics including: mobile application stores, green building materials, telecom satellites, mortgage modification programs, the FDA approval process, and many others. Learn more at www.mavenresearch.com.

Participants in the recent financing included Edward Zander (former COO of Sun Microsystems, and former Chairman and CEO of Motorola), Patrick McKenna (founder and CEO of Keniks, a leader in integrating television and online marketing), William Krepick (former CEO of Macrovision), Jeremie Bacon (founder and CEO of Backstop Solutions, a provider of innovative Client Relationship Management software solutions to the global asset management industry), and Accel Partners (a leading Palo Alto, CA-based venture capital firm).  Accel Partners has been involved in backing transformative social internet companies including Facebook, Admob, GroupOn, and many others.

“The traditional models of market research are outdated.  Many management decisions fail due to out-of-context decisions made with outdated, inaccurate, or speculative information.” said Rich Wong, Partner at Accel Partners.  “All professionals- including  executives, product managers, consultants, and asset managers- need up-to-date  insights, not published reports that are outdated before they even reach the market. Maven brings access to real-time ‘in-the-trenches’ perspectives to the fingertips of all professionals.”

“We deeply appreciate the support of all of our investors, who have made Maven’s next growth phase a reality. We are fortunate to have gained the support of such a diverse and impressive set of individuals who understand that the best and fastest way to learn is to speak directly with a knowledgeable person, and who share Maven’s vision of a transparent, real-time Knowledge Marketplace,” said Wyatt A. Nordstrom, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maven. “Moreover, in our relationship with Accel we have found a partner with a proven track record of growing world-class businesses and an appreciation for what it takes to develop high-quality social and professional networks.”

Participation in Maven and use of the Maven platform to conduct real-time research is available to all professionals.  To learn more about how to profit from your knowledge and tap into the knowledge of others, visit www.mavenresearch.com.

About Maven Research:

Maven Research, the Global Knowledge Marketplace, is the premier online micro-consulting platform built for individual professionals and firms of all sizes. Maven provides a secure, controlled environment for the ethical exchange of knowledge, perspective, and opinion, giving knowledge seekers access to a worldwide network of thousands of professionals across all industry sectors and geographies. Maven’s technology-enabled platform includes direct, open, and intuitive search tools that allow researchers to quickly locate knowledgeable people who can answer their questions and provide valuable insights. Each Member’s knowledge profile includes a detailed resume and biographical sketch, as well as comprehensive rating and pricing information. Maven’s automated teleconferencing system ensures that interactions with Members are safe and secure, and all searches and interactions can be controlled and monitored by an integrated conflict management system containing customizable controls that allow individuals and firms to avoid inappropriate interactions. Unlike “expert network” search firms, Maven does not charge up-front access fees, seat licenses, or subscriptions; Maven clients only pay for time actually spent on the phone with individuals that they choose.

Access the Global Knowledge Marketplace and profit at www.MavenResearch.com.