CB Insights Database and Research Tools Overview

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CB Insights is a leading venture capital database that provides valuable insights and research tools for investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.

Their database is a comprehensive collection of over 150,000 private companies, including startups and venture-backed companies.

CB Insights' research tools are designed to help users make informed investment decisions, identify market trends, and gain a competitive edge.

One of their most popular research tools is the CB Insights' Intelligence Platform, which offers real-time data and analytics on private companies.

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Research and Analysis

CB Insights offers a wealth of research and analysis tools to help you make informed decisions. You can find CB Insights research reports and briefings on investment climate, emerging technologies, companies' valuations, and more by clicking "Research" in the left column and selecting a category from the top.

To get started, you can use the keyword search and select the CB Insights Research category at the top. The research reports are designed to be highly visual, clear, and concise, making it easier for you to arrive at your next decision.

Industry Analytics is a valuable tool for analyzing 230+ markets and examining market trends from the investment perspective. You can view industry analytics by selecting one of the four tabs at the top: Heatmap, Exits, Geographies, or Mosaic.

Industry Analytics

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Industry Analytics is a powerful tool that helps you analyze investment activities across industries and geographies. It's a visual presentation of the latest 10 years of data, covering 230+ markets.

To access Industry Analytics, select one of the four tabs at the top: Heatmap, Exits, Geographies, or Mosaic. Each tab offers a unique view of the data, allowing you to track trends and patterns in the market.

The Heatmap view provides visual analytics on the combined size of funding and deals across industries. You can click on any individual interactive segment for a more detailed view.

The Exits view shows visual analytics on the number of exits across industries. You can use the sliders at the top to change the coverage period for up to the latest 10 years in quarterly increments.

The Geographies view offers visual analytics on the combined size of funding and deals within industries across the world's geographies. You can also click on any individual interactive segment for a more detailed view.

The Mosaic view presents a table with comprehensive, recent industry analytics. The Mosaic number in the first column represents a score assigned by CB Insights analysts to individual industries based on growth and performance.

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Data Accuracy

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Data accuracy can be a challenge when comparing different platforms. CrunchBase is generally regarded as accurate, but some users double-check accuracy by comparing data elsewhere.

CrunchBase's accuracy is a common point of discussion. Users are pretty happy with the accuracy of CB Insights data, which is built around current data and predictive analysis.

CB Insights offers more detailed reports than CrunchBase. This is likely due to the platform's focus on current data and predictive analysis.

Buying Intent Signals

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AI 100

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CB Insights has been publishing an annual list of the top AI companies since 2017. The list, known as the AI 100, highlights companies making significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence.

The AI 100 is categorized into three main areas: Horizontal AI, Vertical AI, and AI Infrastructure. In 2025, these categories included Horizontal AI, featuring Cybersecurity, Process automation, and content generation.

The AI 100 also includes a category for companies that focus on AI in specific industries, known as Vertical AI. In 2025, this category included Life sciences, Aerospace & defense, and Gaming & visual assets.

CB Insights added a new category to the AI 100 in 2024: Cybersecurity. This category highlights companies that are using AI to improve cybersecurity, such as Binarly and Wraithwatch.

The AI 100 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in AI and its applications. It provides a snapshot of the current state of the industry and highlights companies that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI.

A unique perspective: CB Bank Card Group

Features and Tools

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CB Insights offers a range of features and tools to help you stay on top of your initiatives. The platform allows you to collaborate with your team directly, where you can see real-time updates, predictions, alerts, and more.

You can use these collaboration tools to strategically manage your initiatives without missing out on the latest developments. With just two clicks, you can prepare an extensive slide deck filled with funding data, investor information, and more.

CB Insights provides market analysis and in-depth research reports to help you make informed decisions about investing or making similar moves. The platform offers a lot more than just at-a-glance company info, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

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Product Overview

CB Insights offers market analysis and in-depth research reports to help you make more informed decisions about investing or making similar moves.

The platform provides a wealth of information, making it more complex than what CrunchBase offers.

CB Insights offers a lot more than just at-a-glance company info, making it a valuable resource for those who need detailed insights.

User Interface

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CrunchBase has a simple and easy-to-use interface, even with its advanced search capabilities. This makes it a great platform for users who want to quickly find the information they need.

CB Insights, on the other hand, is generally seen as more complex. Users have reported difficulties navigating its advanced search function.

The simplicity of CrunchBase's interface is one of its key strengths, making it a great option for users who want a hassle-free experience.

Explore further: Crunchbase

Collaboration Tools

Collaboration Tools are a game-changer for teams working together on initiatives.

You can collaborate with your team directly in the platform, seeing real-time updates, predictions, alerts, and more.

This allows you to strategically manage your initiatives without missing out on the most recent developments.

You're only two clicks away from preparing an extensive slide deck filled with funding data, investor information, and more.

What Users Like

Users rave about CB Insights for its ability to provide detailed, up-to-date data on investments and market trends. This information is particularly valuable for uncovering the latest funding trends in emerging tech spaces.

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Users appreciate the daily emails sent out by CB Insights, which consolidate a lot of information in a user-friendly manner. These emails are also entertaining and make the information presented more engaging.

CB Insights is a great tool for business development, providing funding round information that is extremely helpful. It's also part of many investment opportunity sourcing platforms, helping users identify new companies and benchmark their traction against cohorts.

Users like the unique way information is presented by CB Insights, making it a fun and engaging read. Their daily e-newsletters are chock full of intelligence, making users want to pay for the service.

Users' Top Complaints

One thing users dislike about CB Insights is that the initial search function could be a little more user-friendly.

Another issue is the limited "expert collections" available, forcing users to build their own queries to find relevant startups.

Users also express frustration with the pricing and subscription model, citing it as too expensive.

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The limited search capabilities in the free version can make it difficult to find what you're looking for, unless you upgrade to the paid version.

In fact, users mention that they are really limited on their searches unless they have the paid version.

Here's a summary of the main complaints:

Comparison and Evaluation

CrunchBase is ideal for users who want quick at-a-glance info, a simple user interface, a lower price tag, and detailed information on funding and startups.

CB Insights is more comprehensive, offering predictive analytics and detailed research reports, but it requires a bigger budget.

CrunchBase may be a better fit for users who prioritize speed and affordability over in-depth analysis.

CrunchBase vs: A Comparison

CrunchBase is ideal for users who want quick at-a-glance info, a simple user interface, a lower price tag, and detailed information on funding and startups. This makes it a great choice for angel investors, early-stage VCs, startup founders and entrepreneurs, and market researchers.

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CrunchBase is particularly useful for angel investors, who can leverage the tool to find opportunities and key information on funding and founding members. Early-stage VCs can also benefit from CrunchBase, which provides data on companies being funded, their growth metrics, and market trends.

CrunchBase offers detailed information on a wealth of companies, making it a valuable resource for market researchers who need to create in-depth reports and track industry trends. This information can also be useful for startup founders and entrepreneurs, who can use it to monitor competitors and keep up-to-speed on market trends.

CB Insights, on the other hand, is ideal for users who want more comprehensive information, predictive analytics, detailed research reports, and bigger budgets. This makes it a better fit for corporate strategists and innovation teams, venture capitalists and private equity firms, and business development professionals.

Here are some specific use cases for each platform:

  • Angel Investors: CrunchBase
  • Early-stage VCs: CrunchBase
  • Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs: CrunchBase
  • Market Researchers: CrunchBase
  • Corporate Strategists and Innovation Teams: CB Insights
  • Venture Capitalists and Private Equity Firms: CB Insights
  • Business Development Professionals: CB Insights

Acquisitions

The company has been actively making strategic moves to enhance its capabilities through acquisitions.

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One notable acquisition was the purchase of VentureSource data assets from Dow Jones & Company on July 15, 2020.

This acquisition will significantly boost the company's private market coverage capabilities.

The company's focus on expanding its coverage capabilities is a clear indication of its commitment to providing comprehensive services to its clients.

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Investment and Partnerships

CB Insights has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including NEA, Upfront Ventures, RRE, and FirstMark Capital.

The company has a diverse list of clients, including Cisco, Salesforce, and Castrol, as well as top-tier VCs.

CB Insights periodically partners with companies like The New York Times Company and Pricewaterhouse Coopers to generate reports on the health of private companies and growth startups.

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Who's Investing in?

CB Insights has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including Y Combinator, 500 Startups, and First Round Capital.

These investors have shown confidence in CB Insights' mission and vision, providing the necessary funding to support the company's growth and development.

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CB Insights has also received funding from notable angel investors, such as David Tisch and Jeff Clavier.

Their investments have helped CB Insights expand its services and offerings, making it a go-to platform for startups and investors alike.

CB Insights' partnerships with top investors have also given it access to valuable resources and expertise, further solidifying its position in the industry.

Clients and Partners

CB Insights has a robust network of clients and partners that help drive their business forward. Some of their notable clients include Cisco, Salesforce, and Castrol.

Their client list also includes top-tier venture capital firms like NEA, Upfront Ventures, RRE, and FirstMark Capital. These partnerships are crucial for CB Insights' growth and success.

CB Insights periodically partners with companies like The New York Times Company and Pricewaterhouse Coopers to generate reports on the health of private companies and growth startups. These reports provide valuable insights across various industries.

Their primary competitors in the market are Crunchbase and Owler.

News and Updates

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CB Insights has been making headlines, with the latest news from its website dated April 2, 2024. This update suggests the company is actively sharing its progress with the public.

CB Insights has strategically bolstered its C-suite over the past year, making key appointments in revenue, finance, and technology leadership. These moves aim to enhance its platform capabilities and scale operations.

No major executive departures were publicly noted during this period, indicating a stable leadership team.

Latest News

CB Insights is a popular platform for startup intelligence, and there's been some exciting news about it.

CB Insights Website has been updated with the latest news as of April 2, 2024.

Recent Leadership Changes

CB Insights has recently made some significant leadership changes, signaling a focus on scaling operations and enhancing its platform capabilities.

The company has strategically bolstered its C-suite with key appointments in revenue, finance, and technology leadership.

No major executive departures were publicly noted during this period, indicating a smooth transition.

CB Insights is clearly prioritizing growth and development, and these leadership changes are a key part of that strategy.

Location and Operations

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CB Insights has a significant presence in New York City, providing direct access to a vast talent pool and major financial institutions.

Being in New York City also gives CB Insights a strong foothold in the vibrant tech startup ecosystem and numerous corporate clients, facilitating growth and industry engagement.

CB Insights serves a diverse global clientele, including Fortune 500 corporations, venture capital firms, investment banks, and government agencies across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions.

With strategically located offices, CB Insights offers localized support and gathers on-the-ground intelligence to power its global market intelligence offerings.

Global Operations Locations

We have a presence in Seattle, WA, USA, which is a key North American tech hub. This location allows us to foster partnerships and gather insights from innovative companies in the region.

Our global operations locations are strategically chosen to support our business goals. We've identified Seattle as a key location for strengthening our presence in North America.

Seattle is just one of the locations where we have a strong presence, allowing us to tap into local talent and expertise.

HQ Significance

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Being in New York City provides CB Insights with direct access to a vast talent pool, major financial institutions, a vibrant tech startup ecosystem, and numerous corporate clients, facilitating growth and industry engagement.

CB Insights' strategic location in New York City offers a unique advantage, allowing it to tap into the city's vast resources and network.

The company serves a diverse global clientele, including Fortune 500 corporations, venture capital firms, investment banks, and government agencies across various regions.

With strategically located offices, CB Insights offers localized support and gathers on-the-ground intelligence to power its global market intelligence offerings.

Consider reading: Risk Intelligence

Pricing

CB Insights isn't cheap, but it's worth considering if you're a larger company with a bigger budget. The pricing isn't publicly available, so you'll need to contact them for a customized quote.

Some users have reported that the platform starts at $60,000 per year, with plans going up to $265,000 for an all-inclusive "insider" package. However, this hasn't been confirmed.

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A free trial version of CB Insights is available, but it's only for 7 days and doesn't require a credit card.

Here's a comparison of CB Insights and CrunchBase pricing:

Keep in mind that CB Insights is generally considered to be more expensive than CrunchBase, but it offers more in-depth reports and predictive analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CB Insights a reliable source?

CB Insights is considered a reliable source, but users often verify data with other sources for added confidence. Their reports are built on current data and predictive analysis, making them a trusted choice for many

Who is the owner of CB Insights?

CB Insights is owned by Anand Sanwal, its CEO and co-founder, who co-founded the company with backing from the National Science Foundation.

Thelma Wilderman

Assigning Editor

Thelma Wilderman is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating compelling content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of industry trends, she has successfully guided numerous projects to publication. Her expertise spans a range of topics, from the latest developments in project management careers to innovative approaches in business and technology.

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