DF/Net Research

What DF/Net Research does

DF/Net Research, Inc. (DFnet) is a privately held clinical data management company founded in 1989 as DataFax and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The company operates DFdiscover, a unified eClinical platform built on a single relational database that integrates electronic data capture (EDC), paper CRF support with OCR, eSource (DFsources), CTMS (DFctms), ePRO (DFengage), eConsent (DFconsent), and IRT/eTMF/payments modules. DFnet's hybrid data collection architecture — supporting online, offline (DFcollect), and paper-based capture concurrently — is engineered for global trials in low-connectivity LMIC environments including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa, with deployments spanning 50+ countries. The company also offers clinical data management services (database setup, CDASH compliance, WHODrug/MedDRA coding, centralized monitoring) and data science services (SDTM/ADaM standardization, statistical analysis, safety review).

DFnet generates revenue through two primary streams: software licensing of the DFdiscover suite (on-premise or cloud-hosted, with mobile apps distributed via iOS App Store and Google Play) and professional services that are either embedded within client study teams or delivered as project-based engagements. The company sells through direct enterprise field sales combined with a CRO and strategic partner channel network (FHI Clinical, TCD Group, Biostatsolutions, Avania, Emmes, Integrum Scientific, ACE Research, and the Global Health Clinical Consortium), targeting biopharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, academic research institutions, and government research organizations. Long-tenured customer relationships — including a US biotech partner since 2004, an NIH/NIAID research partner since 2009 running 100+ live studies, and the KEN SHE HPV vaccine study (KEMRI/University of Washington) whose findings informed WHO's 2022 HPV vaccination guidance — anchor the customer base. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, GDPR, ICH-GCP, and CDISC Gold Member certifications, and operates wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada (DF/Net Software ULC), South Africa (DF/Net Research Mzansi, established 2020), and India. Ownership remains with founders and management; no institutional investors, funding rounds, or M&A activity are identified in the source material.

Name

DF/Net Research

Legal name

DF/Net Research, Inc.

Website

https://dfnetresearch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

DF/Net Research is a privately held clinical data management company offering the unified DFdiscover eClinical platform — EDC, ePRO, eConsent, CTMS, and source capture — for biopharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, academic institutions, and government research organizations across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Trial Software (eClinical / CDMS)

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374)

akta.pro primary industry

Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Platforms (HLACAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Clinical Data Management, Biostatistics & Statistical Programming CROs (HLAGAAAF), Data Management, Biostatistics & Statistical Programming FSP (HLAGAOAB)

Keywords

• Clinical data management
• Electronic data capture
• EClinical platform
• Clinical trial software
• Data management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing (DFdiscover Suite): DFnet licenses its suite of eClinical software products including DFdiscover CDMS, DFengage ePRO, DFcollect, DFconsent, DFctms, and DFsources. Software is available via on-premise installation or DFnet-managed cloud hosting, with configurable deployment per study requirements. DFdiscover is offered as a complete desktop application suite (DFexplore, DFsetup, DFadmin, DFsend, DFbarcode) and web-based interfaces (DFweb). Mobile apps are available via iOS App Store and Google Play.
2. Clinical Data Management Professional Services: Embedded data management services where DFnet data managers are contracted on a project basis or directly embedded within client organizations. Services include database oversight, query workflows, embedded monitoring, regulatory compliance support, and methodology coaching throughout study execution.
3. Data Science and Biostatistics Services: Data science services including SDTM/ADaM standardization, safety monitoring, progress analysis, regulatory reporting, dashboards, analysis and synthesis, and medical writing. Offered as professional consulting engagements alongside software licensing or standalone.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DFnet provides a unified eClinical software platform, anchored by its DFdiscover Clinical Data Management System (CDMS/EDC), that harmonizes data from paper CRFs, online EDC, offline tablets, and ePRO sources into a single relational database. The platform is complemented by specialized modules (DFengage ePRO, DFcollect offline capture, DFconsent eConsent, DFctms trial management, DFsources remote source capture) and embedded professional data management and data science services for global clinical trials.

Product overview

DFnet offers a unified eClinical platform combining DFdiscover (core CDMS/EDC) with specialized modules including DFengage (ePRO), DFcollect (offline data capture), DFconsent (eConsent), DFctms (trial management), and DFsources (source document capture). The platform supports hybrid data collection from paper CRFs, electronic data entry, and mobile/offline devices. DFnet complements its software with professional Data Management and Data Science services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DFdiscover: Agile clinical trial data management solution (CDMS) that streamlines data collection from every source – EDC, paper, offline sites. Harmonizes data of any format across all sites and trials.
• DFengage
• DFcollect
• DFconsent
• DFctms
• DFsources

Products and services

• DFdiscover Core Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and Clinical Data Management System (CDMS) that harmonizes data from paper CRFs, online EDC, offline tablet entry, and ePRO into a single unified platform with 99.9% uptime, available on-premise or cloud-hosted. Used by biopharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, and academic research institutions.
• DFengage Mobile and web app for Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO) that enables clinical trial participants to complete surveys, report symptoms, and submit observations via iOS, Android, or web browser; fully integrated with DFdiscover.
• DFcollect Online/offline data capture tablet application for sites with limited connectivity, with automatic sync to DFdiscover upon reconnection; uses AES 256 encryption and TLS 1.x transport, designed for LMIC and global trial environments.
• DFconsent
• DFctms Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) that unifies trial operations with integrated eConsent, eTMF, IRT, and payments under a single secure environment for physicians, trial staff, and patients.
• DFsources Mobile application for remote source data capture that allows clinical site staff to photograph or upload source documents (lab reports, ECGs, progress notes), apply redactions, certify copies, and submit directly to DFdiscover studies; includes two-factor authentication.
• Data Science Services Embedded data science services including SDTM/ADaM standardization, progress monitoring, safety review, data integrity assurance, dashboards and reporting, statistical analysis and synthesis, and AI adoption support. Sold alongside software licensing or as standalone consulting.
• Data Management Services Clinical data management services including database setup, CDASH-compliant protocol implementation, methodology coaching, query workflows, data quality assurance, regulatory documentation, WHODrug and MedDRA coding, and centralized monitoring; delivered as project-based or embedded engagements.

Quantifiable outcome

• DFnet-supported KEN SHE study showed 98% efficacy (bivalent) and 96% efficacy (nonavalent) against HPV 16/18 infection, informing WHO's 2022 policy change on HPV vaccination schedules
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ClinConsentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DFnet and ClinConsent formed a partnership in 2021 to meet growing demand for patient-centric eConsent solutions. ClinConsent provides eConsent services to the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) alongside DFconsent.
• Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018KEMRI led the KEN SHE HPV vaccine study alongside the University of Washington, with DFnet providing data management infrastructure. The study's findings informed WHO's 2022 global HPV vaccination guidance, demonstrating the impact of the partnership.
• University of WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018The University of Washington, led by Dr. Ruanne Barnabas, served as the principal investigator institution for the KEN SHE HPV vaccine study. DFnet partnered to provide EDC configuration, daily data cleaning, DSMB reporting, and COVID-19 adaptation support.
• American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017ATHN partnered with DFnet starting in 2017 to co-develop DFconsent, an electronic informed consent solution. ATHN's need to replace paper-based consent processes — especially for pediatric trials — drove the development of DFconsent's interactive multimedia eConsent platform compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.
• FHI ClinicalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFHI Clinical is a CRO partnership within DFnet's trusted partner network. FHI Clinical collaborates with DFnet on clinical trial delivery, leveraging DFnet's eClinical software and data management services for complex global studies.
• TCD GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTCD Group is a CRO partner of DFnet. TCD and DFnet have collaborated on COVID-19 treatment trials in South Africa, leveraging DFnet's DFdiscover CDMS and data management expertise.
• BiostatsolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiostatsolutions is a biostatistics and data management partner within DFnet's ecosystem. The partnership provides sponsors with integrated statistical expertise and DFnet's eClinical platform for comprehensive trial support.
• AvaniacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvania is a CRO partner featured in DFnet's trusted partner network, providing clinical development services that integrate with DFnet's software and data management solutions.
• EmmescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmmes is a CRO partner in DFnet's network, collaborating on global clinical research delivery with access to DFnet's unified eClinical platform and data management services.
• Integrum ScientificminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIntegrum Scientific is a specialized CRO partner within DFnet's ecosystem, offering clinical research services integrated with DFnet's software solutions.
• ACE ResearchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACE Research is a research organization partner within DFnet's trusted partner network for collaborative clinical trial delivery.
• Global Health Clinical Consortium (GHCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDFnet is a recognized trusted partner of the GHCC, providing high-quality clinical data management, teamwork, and communication within the consortium for global health research initiatives.
• CAPRISA (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAPRISA is a UNAIDS Collaborating Centre for HIV Prevention Research. DFnet has partnered with CAPRISA for multiple studies, including the dapivirine ring trials and mRNA HIV vaccine trials. DFnet's South Africa team (DF/Net Research Mzansi) provides ongoing training, data management support, and technology advancement collaboration with CAPRISA's Data Management, Statistics, and IT teams.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Medrio: Medrio offers cloud-based EDC, eCOA, and ePRO for Phase 1–4 clinical trials, with strong adoption among mid-sized biotech and CROs. It competes with DFdiscover for the same mid-market sponsor footprint, though with a less unified module suite.
• Veeva Systems: Veeva Vault CDB and Vault EDC provide a clinical data platform tightly integrated with Vault CTMS, eTMF, and quality, targeting mid-to-large biopharma sponsors. Like DFnet, Veeva emphasizes a unified platform rather than stitched-together point tools, but at much larger enterprise scale.
• Castor: Castor offers a cloud-native EDC and decentralized trial platform widely used by academic researchers, biotechs, and CROs. It targets the same mid-market and academic segments as DFnet's DFdiscover, with strong self-service onboarding.
• Medidata (Dassault Systèmes): Medidata Rave is the most widely adopted commercial EDC/CDMS platform, serving global biopharma sponsors and CROs with an integrated suite spanning EDC, CTMS, ePRO, and randomization. It is the benchmark direct competitor to DFdiscover in regulated Phase 2/3 trials.
• OpenClinica: OpenClinica provides EDC and eClinical software with both open-source and enterprise editions, frequently used by academic and government-sponsored research. It directly overlaps with DFnet's academic/government segment and its hybrid data capture model.
• Oracle Health Sciences (Clinical One): Oracle Clinical One is a unified eClinical platform combining EDC, RTSM, and ePRO aimed at sponsors modernizing away from legacy systems. It competes with DFdiscover for enterprise Phase 2/3 mandates, particularly with sponsors standardizing on the broader Oracle Health Sciences stack.

Emerging players

• RealTime Software Solutions: RealTime provides CTMS, eRegulatory, and eClinical solutions purpose-built for site management organizations (SMOs) and site networks. It overlaps with DFnet's CTMS and site-support capabilities but is more focused on site operations than sponsor-grade CDMS.

Broad incumbents

• Clario: Clario (formed via the merger of ERT and Bioclinica) delivers a broad portfolio of clinical trial technology and endpoint services including EDC-adjacent solutions, eCOA, imaging, and respiratory. It overlaps with DFnet on trial technology but operates as a much larger full-service incumbent.
• IQVIA (Clinical Technologies): IQVIA combines CRO services with proprietary clinical technology platforms for biopharma R&D, including EDC and real-world data tools. It competes with DFnet on global biopharma trials and CRO-managed studies, but as a much larger full-service incumbent.
• ArisGlobal: ArisGlobal's LifeSphere platform spans clinical, regulatory, safety, and pharmacovigilance, with EDC included in its trial suite. It competes for enterprise sponsors seeking an integrated eClinical + R&D safety/regulatory stack, offering broader scope than DFnet's clinical-data-only focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCsi8akGMuUI2Rin4odc2eYw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dfnetresearch
• Facebookfacebook.com/866265786800190

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DF/Net Research