AWS and Microsoft partner acquires data service firm Forecast

Kin+Carta is expanding its AI and data capabilities in Europe with its latest acquisition

AWS and Microsoft partner Kin+Carta has acquired data service provider Forecast Data Services with the aim of strengthening its global enterprise data and AI services.

Edinburgh-based Forecast, which also has a delivery hub in Poland, focuses on AI and machine learning. Core capabilities include data infrastructure, advanced analytics and commercial insights.

The Forecast teams and brand in Europe will be integrated into Kin+Carta immediately the duo claim to benefit from shared demand for similar technologies.

Forecast's director and founder, Neil Macdonald, will continue with the business and report directly to David Tuck, Group CEO of Europe at Kin+Carta.

Vendor partnerships and previous Kin+Carta M&A

Kin+Carta will inherit Forecast's client portfolio in Europe.

The deal also enriches Kin+Carta's existing data certifications with vendors Google and Microsoft, providing depth to the consultancy's data programmes with enterprise businesses across Europe and America.

The company's latest buy builds upon previous acquisitions of Cascade Data Labs (2020) and Octain AI (2021) to expand Kin+Carta's global data and AI capabilities.

The purchase follows the recent opening of Kin+Carta's new office in the Scottish capital.

"We're delighted to bring the data and AI, and financial services experts from Forecast into Kin + Carta," commented David Tuck, Group CEO of Europe at Kin+Carta.

"Omnichannel experiences powered by data drive huge business impact, and the addition of Forecast bolsters Kin+Carta's existing capability in building dynamic pricing, analytics and data recommendation engines, all of which support long-term customer value and retention.

Neil Macdonald, director and founder at Forecast added: "Forecast and Kin+Carta first worked together on a joint client engagement in February 2022.

"We have a fantastically talented data team, and our goal has always been to be the most impactful advanced analytics team in the UK.

"Combining our strengths with Kin+Carta's specialisms, scale and geographic reach will help propel us forward towards that goal and to the collective goal of building a world that works better for everyone."

Global CEO of Kin+Carta, Kelly Manthey, also added: "Enterprise data transformation is a key part of our growth strategy.

"This acquisition strengthens our data and artificial intelligence capabilities globally helping to satisfy our order backlog and establishing a data hub for Europe that matches our strong capabilities in America.

"We are ready to serve our clients' business critical priorities with the next wave of innovation."