Knowledge Networks, Inc. combines a variety of market research services, including survey design, information analysis, and data collection to produce syndicated reports and custom market research for a variety of FORTUNE 500 companies. Specializing in consumer research, Knowledge Networks, Inc. offers clients insight in such areas as advertising effectiveness, product development, segmentation, and media planning. Founded by Stanford researchers Douglas Rivers and Norman Nie in 1998, Knowledge Networks, Inc. is backed by such venture capital firms as Alloy Ventures, Maveron, Meritech Capital Partners, and Oak Investment Partners.