60 Decibels
60 Decibels, founded in 2015, is a social impact measurement firm that specializes in collecting and analyzing data to assess the effectiveness of investments and programs aimed at improving lives.
Profile
They measure the social impact of investments and programs through direct beneficiary feedback.
60 Decibels, founded in 2015, is a social impact measurement firm that specializes in collecting and analyzing data to assess the effectiveness of investments and programs aimed at improving lives. Originally a podcast app, the company pivoted after its team was acqui-hired by Google in 2017. Today, 60 Decibels focuses on providing actionable insights through direct conversations with beneficiaries, leveraging a network of over 600 impact studies and thousands of human stories.
The firm has become a trusted partner for impact investors, funders, and enterprises seeking to understand the real-world effects of their initiatives. In 2025, 60 Decibels conducted over 600 impact studies, engaging with tens of thousands of individuals across various sectors, including microfinance, agriculture, and education. The company has also been at the forefront of integrating AI into data collection processes, piloting AI-enabled methods in over 10 projects.
Despite its growth, 60 Decibels faces challenges in maintaining data quality and relevance as it scales, particularly in regions with limited digital infrastructure. The firm's ability to adapt to these challenges while continuing to provide reliable insights will be critical to its future success.
Who buys this
- Impact investors
- Microfinance institutions
- Agricultural advisory services
- Educational programs
- Corporate social responsibility initiatives
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Extensive network of over 600 impact studies
- Direct engagement with tens of thousands of beneficiaries
- Pioneering AI-enabled data collection methods
Watch for
- Challenges in maintaining data quality in regions with limited digital infrastructure
- Potential over-reliance on AI for data collection
- Risk of losing relevance as impact measurement standards evolve
Key Information
- Founded
- 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 60 Decibels do?
60 Decibels measures the social impact of investments and programs by collecting direct beneficiary feedback. Founded in 2015, the firm provides actionable insights through thousands of human stories and over 600 impact studies across sectors like microfinance, agriculture, and education.
How does 60 Decibels measure social impact?
60 Decibels measures social impact by directly engaging with beneficiaries through conversations and surveys. They analyze data from over 600 impact studies, leveraging human stories to assess the effectiveness of programs aimed at improving lives in sectors like education and agriculture.
Does 60 Decibels use AI in its data collection?
Yes, 60 Decibels integrates AI into its data collection processes. They have piloted AI-enabled methods in over 10 projects, enhancing their ability to gather and analyze beneficiary feedback efficiently while maintaining a focus on human-centered insights.
What sectors does 60 Decibels focus on?
60 Decibels focuses on sectors like microfinance, agriculture, education, and corporate social responsibility. They conduct impact studies to assess how investments and programs in these areas improve lives, engaging directly with beneficiaries for actionable insights.
What challenges does 60 Decibels face?
60 Decibels faces challenges in maintaining data quality and relevance, especially in regions with limited digital infrastructure. Scaling impact studies while adapting to evolving measurement standards and balancing AI reliance are critical for their continued success.
Who uses 60 Decibels' services?
60 Decibels serves impact investors, microfinance institutions, agricultural advisory services, educational programs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. These clients rely on the firm’s insights to understand the real-world effects of their investments and programs.
Sources
- 60decibels.com — 2025 impact studies and AI-enabled data collection
- techcrunch.com — Recent funding news in AI-powered workflow automation
- techcrunch.com — History of the company's pivot from podcast app to impact measurement
- 60decibels.com — General insights and methodologies used by 60 Decibels