What is Futurum Signal?

Futurum Signal is an AI-powered, analyst-led vendor evaluation framework that predicts a vendor’s likelihood of market success over the next 6–12 months. Unlike legacy models like Gartner’s Magic Quadrant, it delivers dynamic, real-time updates and removes the vendor burden of lengthy surveys. By combining Futurum proprietary research, partner datasets (including G2’s Voice of Customer), AI, and Futurum expert analysis, Signal takes in signals as they happen and constantly updates the analysis.

Who is Futurum Signal for?

Futurum Signal is designed for technology decision-makers, investors, and vendors seeking reliable, transparent data to inform their strategies. 

How does Futurum Signal gather and score data?

We combine:

• Proprietary Futurum research
• Public web data
• Partner datasets (e.g., G2 reviews, Crunchbase, BusinessWire)
• Analyst expertise
• Our RAG-powered, Gemini-enhanced AI workflow scores vendors against predefined rubrics in five core assessment areas, producing a quantitative score, explanation, and confidence rating.

What are the five core assessment areas?

Signal assesses vendors across five core areas: 

• Business Value Index – Financial impact and scalability
• Product Innovation & Technology Capabilities – Innovation velocity and technical leadership
• Strategic Vision – Clarity, adaptability, and leadership quality
• Go-to-Market Execution – Sales performance, customer experience, and partner programs
• Ecosystem Alignment – Depth and influence of partnerships and integrations

What does the scoring mean?

Scores range from Aspiring (<5.0) to Elite (8.5+):

• Elite: Market-leading proficiency, cannot reasonably improve further
• Leader: Significant strengths and competitive advantages
• Established: Competitive but with gaps to address
• Aspiring: Multiple shortcomings, risk of disruption

How often is the data in Futurum Signal updated?

Continuously. Unlike static models that refresh once or twice per year, Futurum Signal updates dynamically inside the Futurum Intelligence Platform (FIP) so clients always see the most current market picture.

How is Futurum Signal able to make predictions?

We use a number of frontier models to see patterns in a massive collection of real-time data, from our own proprietary research and partner datasets to public news and financial filings. The AI extrapolates trends to predict where a product is heading and asks 34 questions across our five core assessment areas. If it encounters a lack of context, it’s designed to recognize the missing information and get it, rather than hallucinating an answer. The Futurum analyst then provides the final layer, either confirming the AI’s predictions or adjusting them with their expert insights into market dynamics.

Is Futurum Signal predictive about the technology category as a whole, or just the vendors in it?

The analysis is predictive about the vendors’ likelihood of success, but it’s grounded in a forward-looking view of the entire market. This helps buyers and investors understand the trajectory of the market and the vendors within it.

Which AI tools are you using for Futurum Signal? How do we know we can trust it?

Signal is model-agnostic. It uses a number of frontier-scale models such as OpenAI GPT and Google Gemini. The model is multimodal–it can process text, images, and sound, and can see patterns in both its training data and contextual data carried within its prompt–data that a human could easily miss. AI accelerates the research and analysis process, but it’s never the sole decision-maker. Our RAG-powered, Gemini-enhanced workflow is designed for transparency—every AI-generated score includes an explanation and confidence level that our analysts vet before publication.

What is the role of Futurum analysts in Signal?

The Futurum analysts play a very important role in Signal:

• They define the market and rubrics and identify the vendors and products. 
• They set the weights for each of the five core assessment areas based on their expert knowledge. 
• They set axioms–hard truths about a vendor’s track record that act as guideposts for the AI. 
• They review the AI’s output, correct any material factual errors, and ensure the final product adheres to Futurum’s high standards. 
• They can also challenge the AI’s conclusions and ask it to reassess its findings. This oversight ensures that the report remains accurate, credible, and grounded in human expertise.

Does Futurum Signal include direct input from vendors?  

Yes. Traditional surveys slow the process and can be self-serving. Signal removes that friction by continuously ingesting proprietary Futurum research, publicly available data, and partner datasets. Vendors can request briefings and submit relevant material at any time, and our analyst team incorporates it into the Signal dynamically—so vendors aren’t locked into a single “evaluation window.”

Will Futurum Signal only evaluate Futurum clients?

No. While some evaluated vendors will be Futurum clients, this is not a criterion for inclusion. The technology vendors covered in Futurum Signal will be leaders in their respective categories.

Do I need to be a Futurum customer to be included in Futurum Signal?

No. Inclusion in Futurum Signal is based on market presence, performance, and innovation—not whether a company is a Futurum client. Our goal is to provide the most accurate, forward-looking view of the market, regardless of customer status.

Can I license a Futurum Signal report? 

Yes. Licensing unlocks the right to use your Signal results in marketing, sales enablement, investor relations, and thought leadership—turning independent validation into a demand-generation and competitive-positioning tool. Vendors can also upgrade to advisory engagements, Business Economic Value studies, or subscription services for deeper insights and competitive positioning. Contact us here to learn more.