Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered how businesses stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving market? Is it magic, or is there a method to the madness? Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR), a global independent research and advisory firm, has been a guiding star for business and technology leaders for over 40 years, helping them navigate change and accelerate growth through customer obsession. With a recent full-year 2024 revenue of $432.5 million, how does Forrester empower these leaders to make bold decisions and drive success?

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) History

Founding Timeline

Year established

Forrester Research was founded in 1983.

Original location

The company was originally located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Founding team members

The company was founded by George Forrester Colony.

Initial capital/funding

Details regarding the initial capital or funding for Forrester Research's founding are not widely available in the provided search results.

Evolution Milestones

Transformative Moments

• Going Public (1997): The IPO provided capital for expansion and increased the company's visibility and credibility in the market.
• Expansion into Europe and Asia: Extending operations globally allowed Forrester to serve multinational corporations and gain insights into diverse markets.
• Focus on Digital Transformation: Recognizing the increasing importance of digital technologies, Forrester strategically focused on helping businesses navigate digital transformation, solidifying its position as a key advisor in the digital age.
• Acquisition of FeedbackNow in 2019: Enhanced Forrester’s CX (Customer Experience) Index with real-time customer feedback data.

To gain more insights into the investors and financial aspects, check this out: Exploring Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Ownership Structure

Forrester Research operates as a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among shareholders, including institutional investors, individual investors, and company insiders. This structure influences its governance and strategic direction.

Forrester Research's Current Status

Forrester Research is a publicly traded company, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol FORR. As a public entity, it is subject to regulatory oversight and reporting requirements, and its shares are available for purchase by the general public.

Forrester Research's Ownership Breakdown

Understanding the ownership structure of Forrester Research provides insights into who has influence over the company's decisions. Here's a look at the breakdown:

Forrester Research's Leadership

The leadership team at Forrester Research is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company and overseeing its operations. Key members of the leadership team include:

• George F. Colony: Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
• Carrie Johnson: Chief Research Officer
• Chris Andrews: Chief Financial Officer

These individuals, along with other executives, guide Forrester Research in its mission to provide research and insights to business and technology leaders. You can explore more about the company's investors here: Exploring Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Mission and Values

Forrester Research aims to help business and technology leaders use customer obsession to accelerate growth. The company's values reflect a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and innovation in providing research and advisory services.

Forrester's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Forrester Research's mission statement is: 'To help business and technology leaders use customer obsession to accelerate growth.'

• This mission focuses on enabling leaders to prioritize customers in their strategies.
• It emphasizes the use of customer insights to drive business expansion.
• The mission highlights the importance of aligning business and technology to achieve growth.

Vision statement

While a specific, formally declared vision statement is not explicitly available, Forrester's overarching vision can be inferred from its strategic goals and public statements. The company aims to be the leading global research and advisory firm that empowers organizations to anticipate and act on the needs of their customers, thereby achieving sustainable growth and competitive advantage in an ever-evolving business landscape.

• To be the leading global research and advisory firm.
• Empowering organizations to anticipate and act on customer needs.
• Achieving sustainable growth and competitive advantage for clients.

Company slogan/tagline

Forrester's current primary tagline is not explicitly available. However, they have used several taglines and phrases that encapsulate their value proposition. These include:

• Customer Obsession: This encapsulates Forrester's core philosophy of placing the customer at the center of business strategy.
• Forrester helps organizations grow through customer obsession: This highlights the practical application of their research and advisory services.

To gain more insights into Forrester Research, Inc., consider exploring this resource: Exploring Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) How It Works

Forrester Research provides market research, data, and advisory services to help business and technology leaders make better decisions. They offer insights through proprietary research, consulting, and events, enabling clients to understand market dynamics, customer behavior, and emerging technologies.

Forrester's Product/Service Portfolio

Forrester's Operational Framework

Forrester operates through a multifaceted approach that integrates research, consulting, and events to deliver value to its clients. Key aspects of their operational framework include:

• Research and Analysis: Forrester employs a team of analysts who conduct primary and secondary research to identify market trends, emerging technologies, and customer behaviors. This research forms the foundation of their reports, data products, and consulting engagements.
• Consulting Services: They offer customized consulting services that help clients develop and implement strategies based on Forrester's research. These services range from market entry strategies to technology adoption roadmaps.
• Data Products: Forrester provides access to proprietary data and analytical tools that enable clients to conduct their own analysis and modeling. These tools cover various markets and industries, providing detailed insights into customer segments, competitive landscapes, and market forecasts.
• Events and Communities: Forrester hosts numerous events, including conferences and webinars, that bring together industry leaders, analysts, and clients. These events serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and showcasing Forrester's latest research.
• Client Engagement: Their client engagement model focuses on building long-term relationships by providing ongoing support, personalized advice, and access to Forrester's resources. This ensures that clients can continuously adapt to changing market conditions and achieve their business objectives.

In the fiscal year 2024, Forrester reported revenue of $549.3 million. Research services accounted for 59% of the total revenue, while consulting services contributed 32%. Events and other services made up the remaining 9%.

Forrester's Strategic Advantages

Forrester's success and competitive positioning are underpinned by several strategic advantages:

• Independent Research: Forrester prides itself on its independent and objective research, which is free from vendor influence. This credibility enhances the trust clients place in their insights.
• Experienced Analyst Team: The company employs a large team of experienced analysts with deep industry knowledge. These analysts provide expert perspectives and guidance to clients.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Forrester covers a broad range of industries, technologies, and business functions, allowing them to serve a diverse client base.
• Global Presence: With offices and operations around the world, Forrester is able to serve clients globally, adapting its research and services to local market conditions.
• Strong Brand Reputation: Forrester has built a strong brand reputation over the years, recognized for its thought leadership and high-quality research. This reputation helps attract and retain clients.

These advantages enable Forrester to maintain a strong position in the market research and advisory services industry, delivering significant value to its clients and stakeholders. A related resource is: Exploring Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) How It Makes Money

Forrester Research, Inc. generates revenue primarily by providing market research, advisory services, and events to businesses seeking to understand and leverage technology's impact on their strategies and customers.

Forrester Research, Inc.'s Revenue Breakdown

While specific percentage breakdowns for the 2024 fiscal year are not available in the provided search results, we can analyze the general revenue streams and growth trends based on available information.

Forrester Research, Inc.'s Business Economics

Forrester's business economics are driven by several key factors:

• Subscription-based Model: A significant portion of revenue comes from recurring subscriptions to research services, providing a stable income stream.
• Expertise and Brand Reputation: Forrester's long-standing reputation and expertise in technology and market research allow it to command premium prices for its services.
• Customized Solutions: The increasing demand for advisory services, tailored to specific client needs, enhances revenue and profitability.
• Global Reach: Operating globally allows Forrester to tap into diverse markets and client bases, mitigating regional economic risks.

These elements support a business model where deep industry knowledge translates into sustained client relationships and recurring revenue.

Forrester Research, Inc.'s Financial Performance

Analyzing Forrester's financial performance involves looking at key metrics that reflect the company's efficiency and profitability.

• Revenue Growth: While specific figures for 2024 aren't provided, consistent growth in subscription and advisory services is vital for assessing long-term viability.
• Profit Margins: Monitoring gross and net profit margins indicates how efficiently Forrester manages its costs while delivering services.
• Client Retention Rate: A high client retention rate is crucial, as it reflects customer satisfaction and the stickiness of Forrester's offerings.
• Operating Expenses: Managing operating expenses, including sales, marketing, and administrative costs, is essential for maintaining profitability.

For a deeper dive into Forrester's financial health, you might find this resource helpful: Breaking Down Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) Market Position & Future Outlook

As of April 2025, Forrester Research maintains a strong position in the market research industry, driven by its focus on providing insights and advisory services to help businesses navigate technological and market shifts. The company's future outlook appears positive, with ongoing investments in research and analytics aimed at enhancing its offerings and expanding its client base. To learn more, check out the Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR).

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Forrester Research holds a significant position within the market research industry, recognized for its in-depth analysis and forward-looking insights. Key aspects of its industry standing include:

• Thought Leadership: Known for its influential research reports and thought leadership on technology and business trends.
• Client Base: Serves a diverse range of clients, including enterprises, technology vendors, and government organizations.
• Research Focus: Specializes in areas such as customer experience, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.