Cashew Research is targeting the $90B market research sector by leveraging AI technology

AI-Powered Market Research: Cashew Research’s Innovative Approach

The global market research sector, valued at $90 billion, plays a crucial role in helping companies understand how to connect with their target audiences. However, obtaining these valuable insights is often both time-consuming and expensive. Cashew Research aims to transform this landscape by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Cashew utilizes AI to craft tailored research strategies and surveys for brands, addressing specific needs such as measuring brand awareness among certain demographics or evaluating the effectiveness of marketing slogans. After distributing these surveys to actual participants, Cashew employs AI to analyze and summarize the results.

Cashew gained recognition as one of 200 startups selected for TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield in 2025, where it also secured the top spot in the Enterprise Stage pitch competition at TechCrunch Disrupt.

“You could use a large language model to try to answer your research questions, or hire a traditional firm at a high cost,” explained Addy Graves, Cashew’s co-founder and CEO, in an interview with TechCrunch. “Cashew offers a middle ground by generating unique, up-to-date data for each inquiry, rather than relying on recycled information found online.”

With over ten years of experience in market research, Graves was inspired to launch Cashew after repeatedly encountering clients who needed comprehensive, human-sourced research completed within just a few days.

According to Graves, achieving fast turnaround times without sacrificing research quality was previously impossible due to technological limitations. “The breakthrough came with the rise of AI, which enabled us to automate key research processes, implement best practices, utilize data science methodologies, and format reports in ways that clients expect,” she said.

Automating these processes not only accelerates delivery but also reduces costs, making Cashew’s services accessible to small and medium-sized businesses that might otherwise be priced out of traditional market research, Graves noted.

Cashew was established in 2023 by Graves and Rose Wong, who serves as chief operating officer. The company initially concentrated on the consumer packaged goods sector, particularly food and beverage brands.

Graves believes Cashew distinguishes itself in the crowded field of AI marketing tools by maintaining a human element in its research. Each client receives original data collected from real people, guided by the expertise of market research professionals.

As Cashew continues to grow, its competitive edge is expected to strengthen. The company anonymizes all client data and stores it in a proprietary database, enhancing the value of future research projects with unique, aggregated insights.

Cashew has secured C$1.5 million in pre-seed investment and plans to initiate a seed funding round in early 2026, aiming to raise up to $5 million to further advance its technology.

Looking ahead, Graves shared that Cashew’s priorities for the coming year include expanding its footprint in the U.S. and developing its business-to-business offerings.

“There’s already a substantial market of organizations purchasing research, but that doesn’t account for all the potential clients who currently can’t afford it or lack the necessary timelines,” Graves said. “We’re opening up new opportunities for marketers to access the answers they’ve been seeking.”