CrunchBase.com - A Startup and Tech Company Directory
So, where do you go to find information about a company or web site? Sure, there’s Whois and Alexa (both services we provide links to on this site). However, if you’re looking for more detailed information about a company and not just statistical data, let me introduce you to CrunchBase.com
Crunchbase is a free tech company database and is part of the TechCrunch network of sites (hence the name). The site not only provides visitors with a way to search for and discover detailed information about a startups and tech companies, but it also provides a resource to entrepreurs and company owners to list their sites and organizations for free.
The Base
Now, if you’re following this blog - or just happened across this post - chances are you have an interest in startups and tech companies in general, so Crunchbase and the TechCrunch network might be nothing new to you. With that being said, the purpose of this short blog post is not only to provide a way for you to search CrunchBase from your browser, but also to provide the uninitiated with an introduction and review of the application itself.
The Data Base
As with any directory, size is everything. At the time of writing, CrunchBase has one of the most complete databases of web and tech company information containing over 25,000 companies, people, organizations, and foundations. Not too bad considering the site was first launched less than a year ago in October 2007. (it also doesn’t hurt that CrunchBase is associated with one of the top 10 blogs on the internet).
After performing a search for a company or subject (either through the site or the browser search plugin) you’re presented with a results page filled with information including a short summary, links to the site, founding date, and number of employees. The site also provides an Embedded RSS feed from company’s blog, a traffic graph provided by Compete.com, and even a customizable widget you can download and install on your own web site or blog.
The Home Base
One of the unique (and fun) features I stumbled upon a few weeks ago was a “search by location” page. This section of crunchbase utilizes an embedded Google Maps mashup to show you locations of startups and tech companies based on geographic promiximity. This is actually a fun and rather addictive little feature and something that’s interesting to play around with. For example, Addoursearch is apparently the only Tech company based in Duluth (big suprise!), but it was interesting other tech companies located in nearby Minneapolis/St. Paul.
The Other Base
(Ok, so that title was lame, but it looked just as bad not having it)
Aside from information just about tech companies, Crunchbase also acts as a resource for Startups and entrepreneurs with a section dedicated to Investors, Service organizations and People as well. The financial section is probably the most useful of the three and provides you with a comprehensive list of investors, financial organizations, and venture capital firms. This can be a big help in trying to find the right (and reputable) investors for your project.
Final Word
So, in closing… Crunchbase is a must have resource and search tool for anyone involved with or obsessed interested in startups, tech companies, or technologies. Not only as a reference point, but also as a resource for budding entrepreneurs.
August 28th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Hey everyone, if you are interested in startups, another site you might want to check out is TradeVibes. It’s similar to Crunchbase, but has more of a wiki feel and focuses more on opinions and trends.