8 Free and Paid Databases to find the Growing Startups

Every second, three new startups enter the market. That’s about 11,000 every hour. In this vast and rapidly growing startup ecosystem, finding the right ones for your specific needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But in today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead means identifying the next big thing before it becomes mainstream.

Startup databases offer an efficient solution to this overwhelming challenge. They help you sift through the noise and identify promising ventures that align with your interests.

This article lists 8 valuable startup databases to streamline your search and decision-making process. But that’s just the beginning. Our upcoming AI-powered startup database report features over 20 platforms that use artificial intelligence to help you find the most relevant and promising startups.

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1. For Startups

Website	https://www.forstartups.com/
Geographical Coverage	Japan
No. of Startups	20,000
Pricing and Subscription	The company has not disclosed its subscription model at this time.

For Startups, Inc. is a Japanese company focused on supporting the country’s startup ecosystem through its comprehensive platform, “Startup DB.” This database provides insights into growth industries and the Japanese startup landscape.

In 2019, For Startups launched the “Open Innovation” service, designed to connect startups with large enterprises, government agencies, and local authorities to foster collaboration. This service leverages the “Startup DB” platform to promote partnerships and growth opportunities between startups and established organizations.

Industries Catered by For Startups

For Startups focuses on industries such as Business Development, Finance, Human Resources, Recruiting, Staffing, Venture Capital, and more. It primarily caters to startups and has assisted over 80 high-level executives transitioning into startup roles. The company has supported sectors like Aviation Technology, Healthcare, Construction, E-commerce, Entertainment, and others, with notable examples including NABLA Mobility, Yuimedi, and Graffer. 

Services Offered by For Startups Database

For Startups provides six core services: Talent Agency, Open Innovation, Startup DB, Support for Entrepreneurship, Startup Capital, and Techlab.

Startup DB serves as a central platform offering detailed information on startups across various industries in Japan. It provides data visualization and analysis, helping key players—like corporations, investors, and government agencies—stay informed about the startup ecosystem and discover potential partners or acquisition opportunities.

The platform also supplies data to media outlets, financial institutions, and universities for research and reporting, further supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan.

2. Y Combinator

Website	https://www.ycombinator.com/
Geographical Coverage	Global
No. of startups	5000
Pricing and Subscription	Y Combinator offers a quotation-based model with application-required, twice-yearly three-month programs (January-March, June-August) for startups at various growth stages.

Y Combinator is a renowned accelerator and incubator that provides seed funding, advice, and networking opportunities to help startups launch and grow. It applies mass production techniques to startup funding while prioritizing founders’ interests. Over a three-month program, startups receive $500,000 in seed funding, guidance, and support in refining their pitches to investors.

Industries Catered by Y Combinator

Y Combinator supports many industries, including Fintech, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Biotech, AI, Automation, LegalTech, EdTech, Real Estate, and many more. It invests in startups at various stages—from those in the ideation phase to those already operating. Notable alumni include companies like Airbnb, Meesho, Dropbox, Brex, and Amplitude.

Services Offered by Y Combinator Database

Y Combinator platform provides four primary services, including 

• $500,000 seed funding in exchange for 7% equity
• Expert advice and connections from experienced mentors and a vast alumni network
• Written resources on common startup challenges such as fundraising, go-to-market strategies, hiring, and mental health
• Demo Day, where startups present to potential investors

Y Combinator also maintains databases highlighting companies founded by underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic, Latino, and women-founded companies, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

3. Inc42 Datalabs

Website	https://inc42.com/datalabs/
Geographical Coverage	India
No. of startups	10,000
Pricing and Subscription	Offers 1-year (₹4,999), 2-years (₹7,999), and 3-years (₹10,499) plans as part of Inc42+, which includes access to research reports and insights.

Inc42 Data Labs offers a comprehensive database of startups, scale-ups, and investors. It provides market research, competitive intelligence, deal sourcing, investment analysis, and sales and marketing insights. Users can access detailed information on over 5,000 companies with a free Inc42 account, allowing them to explore company profiles, investor details, funding data, and more to support business decisions.

Industries Catered by Inc42 Datalabs

Inc42 Data Labs supports various industries, including Fintech, Edtech, E-commerce, Health Tech, Media, Deeptech, Agritech, Blockchain, Cleantech, and Logistics. It assists startups at all funding stages, from Pre-Seed to Series A, B, C, and beyond, offering resources that guide startups through various growth phases. Notable connections include MX Player, Flipkart, Unacademy, and PharmEasy.

Services Offered by Inc42 Datalabs’s Database

Key Services Provided by Inc42 Data Labs

•     Market research and competitive intelligence
•     Deal sourcing and investment analysis
•     Sales and marketing intelligence

The platform enables users to filter startups by funding stage, amount, acquisition count, sector, headquarters, etc. It offers easy-to-understand charts, real-time alerts, and detailed market maps, helping users analyze trends, discover new business opportunities, and stay informed about fast-growing sectors.

4. Growjo

Website	https://growjo.com/
Geographical Coverage	Global
No. of startups	10,000
Pricing and Subscription	Growjo follows a free-based pricing model.

Growjo is a database platform that ranks the fastest-growing private companies and startups globally. It uses a proprietary algorithm to rank businesses based on various factors, including revenue growth, workforce size, funding updates, and company value. The data is verified by Lead411, a trusted provider of business information.

Industries Catered by Growjo

Growjo serves industries including AdTech, Biotech, Cannabis, DevOps, Digital Health, EdTech, Fintech, Martech, Real EstateTech, and more. It focuses on tracking and ranking private companies with 15 to 1,000 employees, typically in the growth stage.

Services Offered by Growjo’s Database

Key Services Provided by Growjo

•     Tracking and ranking of fast-growing companies
•     Database access with verified company information
•     Insights and reporting on funding, valuations, and revenue growth

Growjo offers a free database of the top 10,000 fastest-growing companies, categorized by industry and location. Companies can showcase their rank with a “growth badge.” The platform also provides verified contact details, helping users enhance their sales and marketing efforts with insights into emerging startups and industry trends.

5. Beauhurst

Website	https://www.beauhurst.com/
Geographical Coverage	United Kingdom
No. of startups	100+
Pricing and Subscription	Beauhurst has not disclosed its subscription model currently

Beauhurst is a data and intelligence platform that provides detailed insights into high-growth companies and the UK startup ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with HubSpot, allowing users to access Beauhurst’s comprehensive company data directly within their CRM. This integration simplifies workflows by enabling users to view enriched data without switching tools, improving customer relationship management and business development. 

Industries Catered by Beauhurst

Beauhurst serves industries such as corporate finance, law, banking, accelerators, accountancy, local councils, and more. It tracks companies at all stages, from startups to established businesses. Notable clients include Lancashire County Council, J.P. Morgan, Puma Private Equity, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Services Offered by Beauhurst’s Database

Beauhurst’s platform provides six primary services: BeauhurstAdvice, BeauhurstInvest, BeauhurstImpact, BeaurhurstSales, Integrations, and Research & Consultancy. 

Beauhurst helps businesses identify and engage high-quality prospects across industries. It offers detailed company profiles, saving time and streamlining opportunity discovery. The platform provides early access to scaling companies, deal origination, and insights into companies making local impacts. Its search tools quickly generate leads based on customizable criteria, with access to unique profiles and contact information.

Beauhurst also offers research and consultancy services that deliver data-driven insights, reports, and thought leadership seamlessly integrated into your system.      

6. VentureXpert Advisors

Website	https://www.venturexpertadvisors.com/
Geographical Coverage	–
No. of startups	–
Pricing and Subscription	VentureXpert Advisors offers one-on-one Zoom consultations, with pricing determined based on individual arrangements. Their pricing and subscription details are currently undisclosed.

VentureXpert Advisors is an executive consulting firm focused on helping small to medium-sized businesses achieve exponential growth. They provide expert business strategy, operations, finance, and marketing guidance, offering flexible, tailored solutions to help businesses scale effectively. Their agile approach includes access to capital growth opportunities and customized contract structures to meet each client’s unique needs. With extensive experience working with startups and scaling companies, they prioritize sustainable growth.  

Industries Catered by VentureXpert Advisors

VentureXpert Advisors serves industries such as technology, consulting, professional services, and educational institutions. They specialize in supporting small—to medium-sized businesses, leveraging the experience of their consultants, who have worked with organizations like Google, Accenture, and Harvard Business School.  

Services Offered by VentureXpert Advisors’s Database

VentureXpert Advisors offers expertise in growth strategy, go-to-market strategy, sales and business development, and startup coaching. Their services include M&A exit strategy consulting, marketing (including Google and Facebook advertising, SEO, and marketing automation), and IT consulting, covering web and mobile development, UI/UX design, and cloud implementation. They further assist businesses with capital raising, IT staffing, leadership training, HR compliance, and business planning. 

7. Startup universal

Website	https://startupuniversal.com/
Geographical Coverage	Global
No. of startups	–
Pricing and Subscription	Startup Universal has not disclosed its pricing and subscription model.

Startup Universal is a content platform that highlights global technology startups and provides detailed insights into startup ecosystems worldwide. It offers country overviews, expert analyses, and locally sourced news, focusing on emerging ecosystems that lack global recognition. By spotlighting these regions, Startup Universal fosters international collaboration and business opportunities.   

Industries Catered by Startup Universal

Startup Universal covers various industries, including Adtech, Aerospace, Agtech, Cleantech, Foodtech, Healthtech, Insurtech, Proptech, Travel Tech, and more. It welcomes submissions from entrepreneurs, investors, and tech community members.

Information You Can Find in Startup Universal

The platform provides Country Guides with ecosystem overviews, insights from local leaders, industry and company data, and funding and hiring information. Using a “wiki” model, Startup Universal collaborates with local experts to ensure the content remains current and dynamic. It serves both emerging ecosystems and mature regions that act as connectors for global tech talent and opportunities. 

8. Startup India

Website	https://www.startupindia.gov.in/
Geographical Coverage	India
No. of startups	0.141M (1.4L+)
Pricing and Subscription	Startup India has not disclosed its pricing and subscription model.

Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the government to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India. It provides resources and support to help startups thrive, offering access to directories of startups, mentors, investors, accelerators, corporations, incubators, and government entities. 

Industries Catered by Startup India 

Startup India simplifies compliance with self-certification for labor and environmental laws. It offers access to funding through schemes like the ₹10,000 crore Funds, tax exemptions, and support for intellectual property through faster patent examinations. The initiative also promotes mentorship and ecosystem development via platforms like MAARG and programs such as I-MADE.

The initiative supports various sectors, including Adtech, Agritech, Biotech, Blockchain, Cleantech, E-commerce, E-learning, Food and Beverages, Insurance, and more. It encompasses companies at various stages, from ideation to scaling.

Information You Can Find in Startup India’s Database 

The Startup India database includes details on recognized startups, such as their name, DPIIT recognition number, incubation center, sector, and location. Users can filter startups by industry, sector, growth stage, state, and city. 

The platform also provides market research reports to help understand the startup landscape in India. All listed companies are recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) or have tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC, ensuring eligibility for government incentives. 

Path Forward

While looking through these startup databases can help you find the right match, it will take up much of your time and add to your work stress. 

Leverage critical insights to effectively manage costs, navigate regulatory landscapes, and tackle market challenges. Make informed decisions that foster strategic partnerships and boost R&D efforts, ultimately enhancing your product’s efficiency and extending its lifespan.

Click below for a strategic consultation that clarifies and focuses your innovation journey.

Authored By: Ridhima Mahajan, Market Research

Also Read: 5 Companies Offering Innovation Consulting Services to Boost Your R&D Initiatives