About Us
Who is World Data Lab?
World Data Lab uses state-of-the-art data science methodologies to model and forecast consumer trends, category spending, demographic shifts, and cities. Our data, through our platform World Data Pro, is relied upon by leading international businesses and organizations for data-driven decision-making
World Data Lab’s NGO is a social enterprise and registered non-profit organization. We develop datasets and tools that track SDGs in real-time, including emissions, jobs, poverty, hunger, water scarcity, and health.
How World Data Lab Can Help You
At World Data Lab, we specialize in bridging the gap between data and decision-making. Our product, World Data Pro, serves as a platform for accessing the most accurate and forward-looking data concerning consumer headcounts, demographics, and spending. To meet your specific needs, we also offer custom work and API access to integrate seamlessly with your operations.
On the impact front, we are committed to empowering organizations by building innovative web tools that visualize and unlock insights hidden within data. We create custom data models and algorithms, specifically designed to aid our clients in answering their strategic questions. A significant part of our mission is tracking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating positive impact with our data. Learn more about how our solutions empower our clients and partners.
World Data Lab's Story
2014
The Journey Begins
In the midst of global development initiatives, Homi Kharas and Wolfgang Fengler, both seasoned World Bank alumni, discerned a glaring gap: the scarcity of trustworthy data on developing nations. Their response was the inception of World Data Lab (WDL) — a commitment to democratize data, making it universally interpretable and actionable.
Wolfgang's pioneering project, Population.io, caught the world's attention, leading him to share his insights on a global stage through a TED talk. This success positioned WDL at the forefront of translating complex global datasets into insights understandable to all.
World Data Lab's Story
2017
Debunking The Poverty Myth
From two simple tables in a co-working space in Austria, WDL unveiled its seminal project: the World Poverty Clock. This tool not only tracked poverty but used data to challenge the prevailing narrative, asking, "Are people genuinely growing poorer?”
This was only the beginning. Successive tools rolled out over the years, focusing on diverse global challenges: hunger, water scarcity, migration, skills, and more.
World Data Lab's Story
2018
Expanding Horizons And Sharpening Focus
With a foundation in understanding global poverty distributions, WDL recognized the potential to model broader spending behaviors. Market Pro (now World Data Pro) was developed, catering to commercial users by offering forecasts on population trends and purchasing powers.
Leveraging Homi's expertise, WDL took a deep dive into understanding and defining the global consumer class. The same year, recognizing the global nature of its work, WDL opened its US office.
World Data Lab's Story
2022
Addressing The Data Desert
Africa, a continent rich in potential yet underserved in data infrastructure, became WDL’s next focus. Establishing an office in Kenya, WDL was not only addressing a critical data gap but also empowering the continent with homegrown talent – African data scientists driving projects based on African insights.
This year also marked a significant evolution in the WDL journey. From measuring pre-existing indicators, they took a leap into crafting their own. The Internet Poverty Index was born.
World Data Lab's Story
2023
Growth, Investment, and New Leadership
Today, WDL stands as a beacon in the global data landscape. With a new expansive office, a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals, and bolstered by a Series A investment from esteemed partners like Sparring Capital Partners, CHI Impact Capital, and Catagonia, WDL is poised for even greater achievements.
Luis Simoes, with a 25-year record in data and professional services, joined as the Chief Revenue Officer. Prof. Patrick McSharry, an authority on AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics, stepped in as the Chief Analytics and Technology Officer. As we look forward, our commitment remains unwavering — to empower decisions worldwide with unparalleled data insights, forging a brighter and more informed future for all.
World Data Lab's Story
The Future
As we look forward, our commitment remains unwavering
To empower decisions worldwide with data insights, forging a brighter and more informed future for all.
World Data Lab's Story
2014
The Journey Begins
In the midst of global development initiatives, Homi Kharas and Wolfgang Fengler, both seasoned World Bank alumni, discerned a glaring gap: the scarcity of trustworthy data on developing nations. Their response was the inception of World Data Lab (WDL) — a commitment to democratize data, making it universally interpretable and actionable.
Wolfgang's pioneering project, Population.io, caught the world's attention, leading him to share his insights on a global stage through a TED talk. This success positioned WDL at the forefront of translating complex global datasets into insights understandable to all.
World Data Lab's Story
2017
Debunking The Poverty Myth
From two simple tables in a co-working space in Austria, WDL unveiled its seminal project: the World Poverty Clock. This tool not only tracked poverty but used data to challenge the prevailing narrative, asking, "Are people genuinely growing poorer?”
This was only the beginning. Successive tools rolled out over the years, focusing on diverse global challenges: hunger, water scarcity, migration, skills, and more.
World Data Lab's Story
2018
Expanding Horizons And Sharpening Focus
With a foundation in understanding global poverty distributions, WDL recognized the potential to model broader spending behaviors. Market Pro (now World Data Pro) was developed, catering to commercial users by offering forecasts on population trends and purchasing powers.
Leveraging Homi's expertise, WDL took a deep dive into understanding and defining the global consumer class. The same year, recognizing the global nature of its work, WDL opened its US office.
World Data Lab's Story
2022
Addressing The Data Desert
Africa, a continent rich in potential yet underserved in data infrastructure, became WDL’s next focus. Establishing an office in Kenya, WDL was not only addressing a critical data gap but also empowering the continent with homegrown talent – African data scientists driving projects based on African insights.
This year also marked a significant evolution in the WDL journey. From measuring pre-existing indicators, they took a leap into crafting their own. The Internet Poverty Index was born.
World Data Lab's Story
2023
Growth, Investment, and New Leadership
Today, WDL stands as a beacon in the global data landscape. With a new expansive office, a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals, and bolstered by a Series A investment from esteemed partners like Sparring Capital Partners, CHI Impact Capital, and Catagonia, WDL is poised for even greater achievements.
Luis Simoes, with a 25-year record in data and professional services, joined as the Chief Revenue Officer. Prof. Patrick McSharry, an authority on AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics, stepped in as the Chief Analytics and Technology Officer. As we look forward, our commitment remains unwavering — to empower decisions worldwide with unparalleled data insights, forging a brighter and more informed future for all.
World Data Lab's Story
The Future
As we look forward, our commitment remains unwavering
To empower decisions worldwide with data insights, forging a brighter and more informed future for all.
contact us
Speak to our team
We are happy to answer questions, get you acquainted with World Data Pro, and explore use-cases for your team.
contact us
Speak to our team
We are happy to answer questions, get you acquainted with World Data Pro, and explore use-cases for your team.