Side by side · terms checked 2 Oct 2026
Startup databases compared: YC Startup Directory, Crunchbase, PitchBook and 3 more
The top 6 startup databases in the catalogue (YC Startup Directory, Crunchbase, PitchBook, Built In, GeekWire Startup List, CB Insights), with the terms that decide where to apply first. Company profiles that investors, journalists and future hires look up. Most are free to create or claim; some fill a profile in only after funding news.
| Place | Takes | Price | Link | Review | Lists | Submit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 YC Startup Directory | YC-funded companies only | Free | dofollow | Apply by 2 November 2026 for the Winter 2027 batch to hear back by 11 December; promising applications are interviewed by video in November and December | Every kind | sign in |
 Crunchbase | Accepts AI tools | Free | nofollow | Edits usually show at once; moderation queues review new content daily and remove what breaks the guidelines | Every kind | sign in |
 PitchBook | Added by PitchBook research | Free | nofollow | The Data Operations team reviews submitted updates within three working days; approved changes publish the same day | Every kind | sign in |
 Built In | Employer profiles for hiring | From $199 | nofollow | not stated | Every kind | sign in |
 GeekWire Startup List | Pacific NW startups only | Free | nofollow | Every entry is reviewed by a person; company details and the physical address are verified before publication | Every kind | sign in |
 CB Insights | Accepts AI tools | Free | dofollow | Analysts pick which companies to highlight from products, revenue growth, funding and headcount; the company profile is updated after the survey is submitted | Every kind | sign in |
YC Startup Directory ycombinator.com
YC Startup Directory is a startup database at ycombinator.com. It lists AI startups, with a rule: YC-funded companies only. Listing is free. The link you get is dofollow: the company website link on a live directory page has no rel (checked /companies/airbnb). Review: apply by 2 November 2026 for the Winter 2027 batch to hear back by 11 December; promising applications are interviewed by video in November and December. Terms read on ycombinator.com on 2 October 2026.
Directory of the companies Y Combinator has funded, so the only way in is acceptance into a YC batch. The application is open to any startup, in any field, anywhere in the world.
Crunchbase crunchbase.com
Crunchbase is a startup database at crunchbase.com. It lists AI startups. Listing is free. The link you get is nofollow: website link on company profiles is nofollow (profile as of May 2026). Review: edits usually show at once; moderation queues review new content daily and remove what breaks the guidelines. Terms read on crunchbase.com on 2 October 2026.
Any registered user who links a Google or LinkedIn account can add a company profile. Moderation removes ad-like profiles, small local businesses and web directories.
PitchBook pitchbook.com
PitchBook is a startup database at pitchbook.com. It lists AI startups, with a rule: added by PitchBook research. Listing is free. The link you get is nofollow: website link is rel=nofollow on a public profile preview (May 2026). Review: The Data Operations team reviews submitted updates within three working days; approved changes publish the same day. Terms read on pitchbook.com on 2 October 2026.
Private market database for investors; company profiles are created by PitchBook's research team, and staff can then submit updates through the Update this profile button without an account.
Built In builtin.com
Built In is a startup database at builtin.com. It lists AI startups, with a rule: employer profiles for hiring. A listing costs from $199. The link you get is nofollow: company website link is rel="noopener nofollow" on a live profile (checked /company/braze). Terms read on builtin.com on 2 October 2026.
Tech jobs site whose company profiles are aimed at job seekers and come with hiring plans. Its Expert Contributor section publishes bylined articles by tech professionals, but the page shows no way to apply.
GeekWire Startup List geekwire.com
GeekWire Startup List is a startup database at geekwire.com. It lists AI startups, with a rule: Pacific NW startups only. Listing is free. The link you get is nofollow: company links on the list carry rel="ugc nofollow" (September 2026). Review: every entry is reviewed by a person; company details and the physical address are verified before publication. Terms read on geekwire.com on 2 October 2026.
Database of tech startups headquartered in Washington, Oregon, Idaho or British Columbia, founded less than 15 years ago and privately owned; no agencies or service providers. Listed startups are eligible for the GeekWire 200 ranking.
CB Insights cbinsights.com
CB Insights is a startup database at cbinsights.com. It lists AI startups. Listing is free. The link you get is dofollow: the company website link on a live profile has no rel (checked /company/openai). Review: analysts pick which companies to highlight from products, revenue growth, funding and headcount; the company profile is updated after the survey is submitted. Terms read on cbinsights.com on 2 October 2026.
Company database used by investors and corporate buyers. Tech vendors request a free analyst briefing by email and fill in a survey, which updates their company profile and makes them eligible for its research and rankings.
All startup databases, with the ones not in this table: Startup databases.
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