US-based data science platform provider Civis Analytics raised $22m in a series A round yesterday from a consortium that included telecoms firm Verizon’s investment subsidiary Verizon Ventures and advertising agency WPP.
The round was led by Drive Capital, while Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of conglomerate Alphabet, also committed cash. Schmidt previously provided an undisclosed amount of seed funding in 2013.
Civis Analytics has developed a data science platform, based around technology that was developed to power US president Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. The platform is being used to conduct the US’s 2020 census, while other clients include Verizon.
The cash will enable accelerate growth, a recruitment drive and long-term investments in research and development activities. Chris Olsen, co-founder and partner at Drive Capital, will join Civis Analytics’ board.
Dan Wagner, founder and chief executive of Civis Analytics, said: “We are honoured to welcome Drive Capital, Verizon, and WPP as investors and grateful for Eric’s continued support.
“With this round of funding, we will be able to innovate more quickly, expand our product offerings, and target new sectors.”