In December 2025, a significant funding round was announced for Bolt Insight, a consumer research platform co-founded by Hakan Yurdakul, a former executive at Unilever, in 2019. The funding, totalling £7 million, was led by Pembroke VCT. This investment is notable as it involves prominent backers including 212, Active Partners, Velocity, and TIBAS Ventures, with Pembroke VCT contributing half of the capital. The aim of this funding round is to support the company's expansion strategy, particularly focusing on its innovative AI-enabled research platform. The company is designed to streamline qualitative research processes, integrating artificial intelligence with human-led research methodologies. Bolt Insight has been utilized by major consumer goods companies, with clients like Unilever, Reckitt, and Danone. Yurdakul stated that the mission behind establishing Bolt Insight was to integrate real consumer feedback into business decision-making processes. This unique platform has so far engaged over 5 million consumers and collaborated with more than 150 brands to enhance brand strategies. The raised capital will specifically be channeled into expanding BoltChatAI, a key element of the platform that connects researchers with consumers in real-time through conversational AI. This strategic move is aimed at reinforcing Bolt Insight’s stance in the global insights market, which is valued at approximately $153 billion. By leveraging advanced technologies, the platform seeks to revolutionize the way research is conducted and deliver insights at much faster rates than traditional methods. Yurdakul emphasized the transformative potential of AI within the market, asserting that the infusion of technology can significantly elevate the quality and speed of research services offered to leading global brands. Meanwhile, Andrew Wolfson, CEO of Pembroke Investment Managers, reiterated the importance of Bolt Insight as a paradigm shift in an established industry by centering genuine consumer voices in critical decision-making processes. This investment not only marks a milestone for Bolt Insight but also reflects the growing trend of integrating AI in business research practices to foster greater market responsiveness and customer-centricity.