Market Research Agency Austin

Texas' innovation capital. Kadence delivers market research for organisations in Austin, combining deep understanding of the city's tech-driven, culturally vibrant consumer market with a global research network spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas.

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Austin has evolved from a mid-sized state capital into one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the United States. Rapid population growth, a booming technology sector and a distinctive cultural identity create a consumer market that demands research tailored to its specific character. Kadence brings over 30 years of global research expertise to this fast-changing city.

Austin's market

Austin's growth story is defined by technology. The city has attracted major operations from Tesla, Apple, Google, Meta, Oracle and Samsung alongside a thriving startup ecosystem. This tech-driven expansion has reshaped the city's demographics, creating a large, affluent professional class alongside long-established communities with very different consumer profiles.

The metropolitan area has grown by more than 30 percent in the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing large metros in the US. This growth brings both opportunity and complexity for brands. New arrivals from California, the Northeast and internationally bring different brand expectations and purchasing habits, while established Austin residents often maintain distinct preferences rooted in the city's independent, creative identity.

Austin's cultural identity matters. The "Keep Austin Weird" ethos reflects a consumer base that values authenticity, local businesses and creative expression. Brands that feel generic or overly corporate can struggle to connect here. At the same time, the city's rapid growth and diversification mean that no single consumer profile captures the full market.

The Hispanic and Latino community represents a significant and growing segment of Austin's population, particularly in East Austin and surrounding areas. Research that accounts for this demographic diversity produces a more complete and accurate picture of the market.

Our Global Expertise for Austin

Kadence operates from offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas, with our US presence anchored by teams in New York and San Francisco. Our global network spans London, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, Jakarta, Mumbai, Bangalore and beyond.

For Austin-based organisations expanding internationally, our network provides seamless coordination and genuine local expertise in each market. For global brands entering the Texas market, our team provides the cultural understanding needed to position effectively in one of America's most distinctive cities.

We’re consistently recognised as a leading market research agency across multiple markets.

AURA Innovation of the Year award

Innovation of the Year

Finalist

— The AURAs, 2021
Agency of the Year Awards, 2021

Market Research Agency of the Year

Winner – Gold

— Agency of the Year Awards, 2021
Marketing Interactive Agency of the Year, Winner - Gold, 2021

Consultant of the Year

Winner – Gold

— Agency of the Year Awards, 2021
Kadence team collecting Agency of the Year award

Consultant of the Year

Winner

— Agency of the Year Awards, 2020
Agency of the Year Awards, 2020

Market Research Agency of the Year

Finalist

— Agency of the Year Awards, 2020
Quirks Supplier of the Year Kadence International

Market Research Supplier of the Year

Winner

— Marketing Research & Insight Excellence Awards – 2019
Kadence International Market Research Agency of the Year Singapore

Market Research Agency of the Year

Winner

— Agency of the Year Awards, 2019
Kadence International is Highly Commended for Global Agency of The Year

Global Agency of the Year

Highly Commended

— Market Research Society Awards, 2019
Market Research Society's Operations Awards, 2019

Best Data Collection (face-to-face)

Finalist

— Market Research Society's Operations Awards – 2019
Best Data Collection, Finalist — Market Research Society's Operations Awards, 2019

Best Data Collection (telephone)

Finalist

— Market Research Society's Operations Awards, 2019
MRS Opperations Awards Trophy

Best Training and Development

Highly Commended

— Market Research Society's Operations Awards, 2019
MRS Young Researcher of the Year

MRS Young Researcher of the Year

Finalist

— MRS, 2023
ESOMAR Best Congress Paper

ESOMAR Best Congress Paper

Winner

— ESOMAR, 2023

Austin Market Research

Kadence designs research that reflects Austin's unique blend of tech culture, Southern identity and rapid demographic change. We help brands understand consumer segments, test new products and evaluate brand perception with audiences that span Austin's diverse population.

Austin's tech-savvy, opinionated consumer base makes it an excellent environment for concept testing and innovation research. Our fieldwork covers metropolitan Austin and the wider Central Texas corridor using online, telephone and in-person methods suited to the research objectives.

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FAQs

How diverse is Asia Pacific culturally?

The short answer is that Asia is incredibly rich and nuanced from a cultural standpoint: the multitude of religious beliefs, histories, languages, and other cultural markers means that each market is more different than similar. This can make Asia Pacific market research challenging without the right partner to help you understand the intricacies of each country. That said, though, the ‘urban Asia’ experience is similar to some extent, and popular culture does form the basis to link up a couple of the Asian markets, so there can be ways to seek out common threads amidst the vibrancy of difference.

Do I need to do all my market research in Asia in local / vernacular languages?

As a rule yes. By conducting research in the local language, consumers will have the capability and confidence to express their thoughts and feelings toward the brands, products or services in question. Unlike some market research agencies in Asia, Kadence has a range of languages in-house thanks to our network of Asian offices, so local language moderation is a service we can provide. That said, it is possible to carry out research in English in some markets (e.g. Singapore, India, Philippines), depending on the subject matter and education level of the respondents you want to reach.

For large Asian markets like China and India, how many cities do we need to cover with our research?

We recommend at least a combination of 1st tier and 2nd tier cities, as well as 3rd tier and rural locations, if possible. On top of getting a read on geographic and demographic differences in the reactions to your products and services, lifestyle / intra-market attitudinal variations exist, so the wider you are able to carry out your research, the more comprehensive your resulting understanding of the market will be.

Are there certain research approaches or methodologies that work better in one Asian market, compared to another?

Yes. Cultural differences between Asian markets mean that you need to carefully consider your methodology. For instance, we find that in-depth interviews, rather than group-based discussions, can work better for some topics in markets like Japan, where there can be a tendency to ‘self-censor’. In contrast, the one-on-one format lends itself better to building trust and establishing bonds between interviewer and respondent, often leading to more productive conversations. 

You’ll also need to consider the technological infrastructure of the markets you’re researching. In India, for instance, you’ll need to take a mobile first approach for reaching those outside metros and tier 1 cities. This is also true of mobile-first markets like Indonesia and China. Whilst cultural considerations can be diverse and numerous, we’re on hand to help, based on our long history of conducting market research in Asia.

Does the sequence of which markets I do my research first in Asia matter?

Unless there are specific roll-out plans that have strategic importance for your product or service across markets, our experience has taught us that any order comes back down to organizational preference. Your internal stakeholders may want to start the research in a market that is a stronghold for the brand to establish ground understanding, then venture into unfamiliar grounds to gather ‘new news’, or vice versa. Ultimately, Kadence is flexible in terms of how / when / where to start a piece of research, and in the absence of real preference, is willing to provide our suggestions and justifications for any arrangements.

Our Customers

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Bloomberg
Unilever
Samsung
Panasonic
Mitsubishi
Mars
Arla
Discovery Networks Asia Pacific
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FAQs

How does Austin's rapid growth affect consumer research?

Austin's fast-growing population brings diverse consumer profiles from across the US and internationally. Research design needs to account for the differences between long-established residents and recent arrivals, who often have different brand expectations, spending habits and cultural reference points. Kadence designs studies that capture this demographic complexity.

What industries does Kadence research in Austin?

We work with organisations across Austin's key sectors, including technology, healthcare, education, consumer goods, food and beverage, and professional services. Our researchers understand the competitive dynamics specific to Austin's innovation-driven economy.

Is Austin a good market for testing new products?

Yes. Austin's tech-savvy, culturally engaged consumer base provides direct and considered feedback. The city's demographic diversity and openness to new brands make it a valuable testing environment, particularly for technology, food and beverage, and lifestyle products.

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