Revolutionizing Marketing Research: Cashew’s Integration of Artificial Intelligence
The global marketing research sector is valued at approximately $90 billion, serving as an essential conduit for brands striving to enhance their visibility among prospective customers. However, the procurement of pertinent data often proves to be both costly and time-consuming.
In a bid to transform this landscape, Cashew Research—based in Calgary, Alberta—leverages artificial intelligence to create bespoke marketing research plans and surveys tailored to the specific needs of brands.
This includes insights into brand recognition within targeted demographics, as well as the public perception of advertising slogans.
By distributing surveys to genuine participants, Cashew employs AI algorithms to summarize and analyze the resultant data.
Recognized for its innovative approach, Cashew was among the 200 startups chosen for TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield in 2025, clinching victory in the Enterprise Stage competition at TechCrunch Disrupt.
Co-founder and CEO Addy Graves articulated the dichotomy of the current research market: “You can utilize a large language model to conduct extensive research and derive answers, or enlist a firm that incurs substantial costs.
Cashew establishes a middle ground, generating tailored, innovative data solutions rather than relying solely on information derived from widely available online resources.”
Addy Graves boasts over a decade of experience in the marketing research arena. The inception of Cashew stemmed from a ubiquitous challenge: clients sought comprehensive research projects—with real-world data—completed within a few days.
For years, the compression of this timeframe without compromising data quality seemed unattainable, largely due to technological constraints, Graves remarked. “That was undoubtedly the epiphany moment,” she recounted.
“It is only through the emergence of artificial intelligence that we can now automate these processes in alignment with established best practices, data-driven methodologies, and universally comprehensible report formats.”
The automation of research not only expedites processes but also curtails expenses, making Cashew an accessible alternative for small and mid-sized enterprises that previously encountered barriers to collaborating with traditional market research firms.
Founded in 2023 alongside Chief Operating Officer Rose Wong, Cashew initially concentrated on consumer goods, particularly in the food and beverage sectors.
Graves posits that Cashew can carve an advantageous niche within the increasingly saturated realm of AI marketing tools, as the company does not rely on full automation.
Each client benefits from freshly acquired data relevant to their specific project, which necessitates expertise in marketing research—a factor that bolsters Cashew’s competitive edge.
Moreover, the company systematically collects and anonymizes data from client projects, augmenting its database and thereby enriching future research initiatives.
With a pre-seed funding of C$1.5 million secured, Cashew is poised to initiate a seed round in early 2026, targeting an infusion of up to C$5 million. These funds are earmarked for the refinement of the product’s technological foundation.
Looking ahead, Graves emphasizes strategic priorities that include enhancing the company’s footprint in the United States while establishing a robust B2B segment.
“Those already procuring research represent a significant demographic, yet they do not encompass the entirety of the potential market without optimized timelines,” she stated. “We are genuinely pioneering a new category for marketers to procure answers to pressing inquiries.”
Cashew’s Aspirations for the Future
- Fostering accessibility and adaptability within the marketing research domain through AI.
- Maintaining the integral role of human insight and expertise in research methodologies.
Growth and Financing Strategy
- Ongoing enhancement of technological capabilities.
- Expansion beyond Canadian borders into the U.S. market and beyond.
- Development of a robust B2B segment tailored to the needs of various brands.
Source link: Mezha.net.
