DecisionNext Company Profile

Background

Overview

DecisionNext, established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in providing advanced data analytics and forecasting solutions. The company's mission is to empower decision-makers in the food, agriculture, and mining sectors with actionable insights, enabling them to make informed choices when buying and selling commodities. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, DecisionNext aims to revolutionize price and supply forecasting across entire supply chains.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specialization

DecisionNext focuses on delivering prescriptive analytics that combine AI and human intelligence to enhance decision-making processes. The company's platform is designed to provide:

Dynamic Data Access: Faster access to dynamic data, integrated seamlessly with clients' existing datasets.

Advanced Forecast Models: Curated AI-driven forecast models to improve accuracy.

Risk Quantification: Tools to quantify risk, facilitating better-informed business decisions.

Profit Enhancement: Consistent and repeatable decision-making processes to boost profits and manage risk effectively.

Primary Markets

The company's solutions cater to various commodities within the natural resources and agriculture sectors, including:

Food & Agriculture: Beef, pork, poultry, dairy, grains, edible oils, and more.

Natural Resources: Iron ore, thermal coal, liquid natural gas, copper, nickel, zinc, shipping, among others.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Since its inception, DecisionNext has secured approximately $9 million in funding. Notable funding rounds include:

Seed Round (March 2015): Raised $2.7 million.

Series A (May 2019): Secured $7 million, led by Dalus Capital.

Revenue

In 2024, DecisionNext reported a revenue of $1.5 million, marking a 66.84% year-over-year growth from $911.8K in 2023.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

DecisionNext's platform leverages proprietary machine learning algorithms to aggregate extensive data series, quantify market risk through probabilistic forecasting, and enhance forecast accuracy. The interactive and transparent platform offers real-time validation of forecasting models and backtesting of market decisions, allowing users to simulate market scenarios and test hypotheses effectively.

Scientific Methodologies

The platform integrates AI and ML methodologies to provide dynamic market simulations, enabling clients to make risk-aware sourcing, operations, and sales decisions in commodity markets.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Mike Neal: Co-Founder and CEO. A serial entrepreneur with a focus on applying mathematical models to business decisions. Previously co-founded DemandTec and SignalDemand.

Bob Pierce, PhD: Co-Founder and Chief Scientist. Former Chief Scientist at SignalDemand, with a background in econometrics, oceanography, and nonlinear dynamics.

Graeme Stanway, PhD: Co-Founder and EVP of Strategy Delivery. Recognized for creating innovative strategic transformations in resource-driven industries.

Rohit Aggarwal: Chief Operating Officer.

Chris Taylor: SVP Australasia.

Christophe Heurtevent: SVP EMEA.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global market for AI-driven analytics in commodity trading is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing need for accurate forecasting and risk management in volatile markets.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Figure Eight Technologies: Develops AI platforms for data science and machine learning teams.

Apara: Offers AI-based solutions across various industries.

Artificio Products: Provides software development services with a focus on AI integration.

Zengines: Specializes in data integration solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DecisionNext has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

Johnsonville: Expanded partnership to provide insights into sourcing, harvest planning, and pricing, enabling more accurate long-range planning.

SunFed Ranch: Partnership to offer insights into harvest planning, pricing, and risk management, supporting the growth of the grass-fed beef market.