NetRatings

About NetRatings

NetRatings, Inc. was a prominent internet media and market research firm that specialized in providing real-time web measurement services. Founded in 1998 by individuals including David Toth, who also served as CEO, the company's mission was to bring transparency to internet audience data for buyers and sellers in the burgeoning online marketplace. Toth's experience as an investor and board member for various tech companies like TubeMogul and NexTag underscored his expertise in navigating the capital markets for technology-driven enterprises.

The company's core business revolved around offering detailed analytics and insights into consumer behavior online. NetRatings provided panel-based and site-centric internet audience measurement, enabling clients to understand their online consumer presence. Their services, which included NetView, AdRelevance, @Plan, and WebRF, became a key resource for companies seeking to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data and analysis of the digital landscape. The business model focused on delivering actionable data and research that helped customers identify strengths and weaknesses in their online strategies.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in October 1998 when Nielsen Media Research took a substantial equity stake in NetRatings. This strategic alliance led to the creation of the Nielsen//NetRatings brand, combining NetRatings' measurement technology with Nielsen's established name recognition and resources. This move was largely seen as a necessary consolidation within the web ratings industry to compete with the merger of rivals Media Metrix and RelevantKnowledge. Over time, The Nielsen Company, which already held a majority stake, moved to acquire the remaining shares. In February 2007, Nielsen announced it would purchase the rest of NetRatings for $327 million, a deal that was finalized in the second quarter of that year, fully integrating the company into the Nielsen structure.