Barry McCardel, Co-founder and CEO of Hex, discusses the shift in data analytics from a basic task to a crucial business asset. He shares insights from his time at Palantir, highlighting how innovative solutions are empowering both technical and non-technical users. The conversation delves into evolving data sharing practices, the role of AI, and the importance of trust in customer relationships. McCardel also navigates the complexities of pricing models for collaborative tools, emphasizing creativity and broader exploration in data management.
Hex aims to democratize data analysis for both technical and non-technical users, similar to Figma's impact on design collaboration.
The platform addresses inefficiencies in traditional data sharing methods, promoting real-time collaboration and informed decision-making across organizations.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Data as a Commodity
Data has transformed from a byproduct of operations into a highly sought-after commodity, driving significant business insights. The global data analytics market is projected to grow substantially, from $241 billion in 2021 to $656 billion by 2030, highlighting its increasing importance. This surge in data complexity necessitates skilled data scientists, whose job growth is expected to outpace the average across other roles, at an impressive 36% by 2031. However, despite the advanced analytical capabilities of data scientists, their tools often remain outdated and plagued by inefficiencies, involving cumbersome processes like exporting to CSVs and inserting screenshots into reports.
Hex: Bridging Technical and Non-Technical Analysis
Hex aims to democratize data analysis by providing a collaborative platform that caters to both technical and non-technical users. Founded by former Palantir employees, Hex focuses on making code-based workflows more accessible and integrates various tools across the data stack. This innovative approach allows teams to analyze, visualize, and share data more effectively, drawing a parallel to how Figma transformed graphic design collaboration. By enabling a more inclusive environment for all departments, from marketing to finance, Hex helps organizations collaboratively tackle data-driven challenges without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Facilitating Collaborative Workflows
Traditional data sharing methods often hinder meaningful collaboration, requiring cumbersome exports and screenshots, which can stifle productivity and insights. Hex addresses these inefficiencies by promoting a seamless workflow that allows data practitioners to easily share and adapt their findings in real-time. This collaborative approach not only improves the efficiency of data teams but also empowers stakeholders to make informed business decisions based on current data analyses. By bringing together data practitioners and decision-makers in a unified space, Hex enhances the influence of data insights on organizational outcomes.
The Future of Data democratization and AI Integration
With the rising potential of artificial intelligence, there is an opportunity to democratize data analytics further, allowing non-technical users to engage more deeply with data. The conversation has evolved from fears of AI replacing jobs to understanding its capacity to free skilled data professionals from mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on strategic insights. Grounded in historical economic insights, there is an expectation that as data analysis becomes more efficient, organizational demand for insights will increase rather than decrease. Hex is positioned to capitalize on this shift, aiming to simplify analytics workflows while recognizing the importance of creativity and critical thinking in data analysis.
Hex is a collaborative data workspace that allows both technical and non-technical users to analyze, collaborate on, and share their data work. It wants to do for data what Figma did for design.
Co-founder and CEO Barry McCardel joined Contrary Research Radio to talk about the “insane” ways data scientists share and collaborate, and how Hex is trying to make it better.