It might be summer, but July proved to be a busy time for media intelligence folks. First off, Alva found some partners to go along with investment; Dataminr, Klarna and PMG Presse-Monitor made acquisitions, and there was funding news from Oktopost and Propel. Meanwhile, Forrester released its report on AI-enabled consumer intelligence platforms.
Alva picks up majority investment
Alva, the UK-based reputation intelligence group, has picked up a majority investment by Falfurrias Capital Partners (FCP). The investment will see Alva partner with its fellow FCP companies Ballast Research and Hamilton Place Strategies. Regular readers will know that Hamilton Place Strategies, and its media monitoring arm Flag Media Analytics, was purchased by FCP last month. The three companies will bring together a mix of research and strategic thinkers to support clients.
PMG Presse-Monitor buys software company 
Germany’s PMG Press-Monitor has acquired X-Cago, the Dutch software company. X-Cago supports online publications and content distribution systems from news publishers. With the purchase, PMG plans to expand its portfolio of content and rights marketing services for publishers and strengthening its position as a content management provider for media houses and monitoring companies.
Dataminr makes first acqusition
Dataminr, the event intelligence behemoth, has announced its first ever acquisition – UK-based WatchKeeper. Currently, Dataminr provides text-based notifications and alerts to its customers. WatchKeeper’s platform helps clients visualise how events could affect a company’s assets. WatchKeeper integrates internal client data in a way that Dataminr hasn’t previously explored, and will be folded into Dataminr’s platform later this year.
Oktopost raises $US 20 million
Oktopost, the Israeli B2B owned social media management and listening platform, has raised an impressive $US 20 million in funding from Expedition Group Capital. Oktopost says it plans to use the funding to advance its product roadmap, boost customer success, accelerate marketing and sales, and explore strategic acquisitions — as well as grow its workforce by 50%.
Propel raises $US 1.1 million
Staying in Israel, Propel has raised $US 1.1 million. Propel is a PR workflow platform used by the likes of the Daily Mail and W20. The new round in funding was led by LogicBoost Labs, with Nimrod May and Edan Dover, from the alt-rock band The Score. (You see, PR tech is so cool even rockers want to invest.)
Klarna buys influencer marketing platform
The Swedish payments firm Klarna has acquired APPRL, the influencer marketing platform, for an undisclosed sum. Klarna, the “buy now, pay later” provider, is planning to add APPRL to its roster of retailer marketing services. Klarna picked up $USD 639 million in funding last month.
Forrester New Wave: Talkwalker, Netbase Quid and Synthesio lead
Forrester has released a New Wave report on AI-enabled consumer intelligence (AICI) platforms. Forrester identified Talkwalker, Netbase Quid and Synthesio as leaders in the category. Strong performers included Brandwatch, Linkfluence and Sprinklr, with Digimind, Khoros and Resonate beoing contenders and challengers. The report highlighted the importance of the platforms to drive enterprise-wide decision making. Download the report via Talkwalker.
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