Predata

About Predata

Predata, founded in 2014 by Hazem Dawani, James Shinn, and Andrew Choi, operated as a predictive analytics company specializing in geopolitical risk intelligence. The firm developed a proprietary platform that analyzed online attention signals and metadata to forecast political, economic, and market-moving events. Its methodology involved monitoring the digital chatter of specific groups and actors to quantify their online behavior and anticipate future actions. This approach provided a forward-looking view on a wide range of global risks, from political instability and elections to supply chain disruptions.

The company's client base primarily consisted of government agencies, multinational corporations, and financial institutions that required early warnings and actionable insights to navigate complex international landscapes. Predata's revenue model was based on subscriptions to its data and analytics platform, offering clients access to its risk signals and analytical reports. The platform's core strength was its ability to process vast amounts of open-source digital information and translate it into quantifiable risk indicators, moving beyond traditional sentiment analysis to focus on the intensity of online engagement as a precursor to real-world events.

The founding team brought a unique blend of expertise to the venture. Hazem Dawani, who served as CEO, had a background in technology and finance, having previously co-founded and led OptionsCity Software. James Shinn, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs and a CIA National Intelligence Officer for East Asia, provided deep domain expertise in intelligence and geopolitics. Andrew Choi contributed his experience in data science and analytics. This combination of technical acumen and geopolitical insight was central to Predata's value proposition. In a significant milestone, Predata was acquired by FiscalNote, a technology and data company, in February 2021, integrating its predictive analytics capabilities into FiscalNote's broader portfolio of policy and market intelligence solutions.