TechCrunch Reinforces Entry into Syndicated Research Market

TechCrunch has edged further into the syndicated research business, the traditional turf of analyst firms such as Gartner, Forrester Research, IDC, Burton Group, et al, with the release of the TechCrunch 1Q 2009 Report. The idea behind TechCrunch Research is elegantly simple: package up quarterly reports based on the open source CrunchBase wiki database, sell the reports at economical price points and promote the service across the TechCrunch media network.

The TechCrunch 1Q 2009 Report provides key take aways and statistical support for the major trends of Q1. The report covers trends in start-up foundings, products, financings and exits across a variety of technology sectors: consumer media and entertainment, social networking, cloud computing, mobile communications, search, advertising and ecommerce, consumer electronics and clean tech.

The first premium research product, the TechCrunch 2008 Year in Review, was released in February 2009. According to TechCrunch editor Erick Schonfeld, that report "takes a step back from the news that breaks day-to-day and provides a unique perspective on the major trends of 2008. We cover new products, financings and exits across a variety of technology sectors: search, social networking, cloud computing, mobile communications, advertising and ecommerce, consumer media and entertainment, consumer electronics and clean technology."

MORE ON MY BLOG: What are the implications for analysts and influencer relations managers? Hint: This isn't about the upfront revenues from selling research reports, or annual subscriptions. There is a discussion of 4 implications -- 2 for analysts, 2 for AR and influencer relations -- at my Sway blog, "TechCrunch muscles in on syndicated research".