For Bello, the story starts long before the name.
In 2002, Shamsu began building software specifically for qualitative research—well before online qual became mainstream. What started as an experiment became FocusForums, one of the early platforms dedicated to online discussions and digital insight communities. Over the next decade, he worked closely with researchers, learning from every project and partnership. In 2016, FocusForums evolved into HatchTank—an updated, more powerful platform shaped by years of real-world use and collaboration.
When COVID-19 reshaped how the world worked, the HatchTank team didn't just adapt; they leaned further into online qualitative. HatchTank helped researchers keep projects moving in a fully remote world, and in 2021, the platform was acquired.
Kam joined HatchTank in 2020, stepping into the world of qualitative research and bringing a fresh, modern perspective on how tools should work for both researchers and participants. Over the next three years, he helped grow HatchTank and later led the development of a qualitative research practice at Numerator, gaining hands-on experience as a practitioner running studies day in and day out. Drawing on Shamsu's decades of building qual platforms and Kam's combined platform and client-side experience, the two decided to reunite and build something new from the ground up—free from legacy constraints and outdated pricing models.
That vision became Bello.
Launched in 2025, Bello is a modern home for qualitative research: a place where live conversations, self-guided tasks and diaries, and asynchronous discussions live together seamlessly. It's been carefully crafted with a thoughtful service and pricing approach that reflects how researchers actually work and how projects really run—transparent, predictable, and respectful of budgets and timelines.
Bello is more than a platform; it's a sanctuary for beautiful conversations. It's intentionally designed to be easy to use and approachable, a complete toolkit for qualitative projects. Every part of Bello is built to be flexible and adaptable, so it can respond gracefully to the unique requirements of each study, client, and methodology.
At its core, Bello stands on three pillars: reliability, a deep commitment to project success, and an unwavering focus on the human side of research. We believe research shouldn't feel like a quick, faceless transaction. It should feel like a meaningful conversation—rooted in connection, curiosity, and understanding.
Bello exists to support that kind of work: the whole package of reliability, successful outcomes, and genuine humanity—so that every project has the space to become a beautiful conversation.
