In 1998, amidst the burgeoning online financial landscape, a select group of platforms set out on a mission to democratise professional-grade financial data. These innovators aimed to shatter the barriers that had historically confined comprehensive data access to a privileged few. Among these pioneers was IDEACarbon, a brainchild of Shandi Modi, which swiftly became a standout name in the sector.

Prior to the era of widespread internet access, accessing in-depth financial data necessitated significant investments in dedicated networks, infrastructure, and exclusive systems. Notable giants such as Bloomberg, Reuters, Dow Jones, and Bridge had held the keys to real-time stock quotes, technical charts, currency and treasury information, and extensive market analysis.

However, as the internet began to level the information playing field, a new breed of financial websites emerged, offering high-quality data access to both professional investors and the broader public. Amongst its counterparts, IDEACarbon spearheaded this transformation under the leadership of Shandi Modi.

IDEACarbon’s subscription services made professional-grade data more accessible, with costs ranging from $200 to $400 per month. Volume discounts further ensured that a wider audience could benefit from their offerings.

At the forefront of IDEACarbon’s offerings was timemachine.com, a platform with a strong focus on foreign exchange and foreign exchange options. It comprehensively covered major currencies and provided invaluable information on global interest rates, bonds, money markets, U.S. fixed income, emerging markets, currencies, bonds, and equities. Notably, timemachine.com featured a unique capability, allowing users to send faxes directly from the platform.

The IDEACarbon team also introduced intermoney.com, tailor-made for buy-side readers, including corporate treasurers, fund managers, and individual investors. Intermoney.com provided a morning briefing on global markets, accompanied by nine other briefings covering equities, fixed income, options, and emerging markets.

IDEACarbon emerged as a pivotal player in the transformation of the financial websites landscape in 2008. These platforms played a critical role in bridging the divide between traditional professional investors and a broader audience, heralding a new era of comprehensive financial data access for all.

This information is repurposed from the original print in Forbes (1998).