What databases do you use to compile target companies?

searcher profile

September 18, 2025

by a searcher from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, USA

Hey self-funded searchers! What databases do you use to compile target companies? I know traditional searchers often use tools like Grata, but it's so expensive. Are there cheaper, scrappier tools you use? Let me know what resources I should explore! Thanks!
6
37
426
Replies
37
commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from University of California, Berkeley in Washington, D.C., USA
If you're looking to source targets with minimal costs, I'd recommend expanding your search methodology beyond traditional databases. ^redacted‌'s suggestion is a great example. Depending on the niche you're looking into, some other sources that come to mind are normal Google, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Angi. I have experience automating target list creation, including from non-database sources. Please feel free to reach out!
commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from Marquette University in Kirkland, WA, USA
Thanks Luke. DataAxle is good and there's also ZoomInfo, Database USA, D&B Hoovers, Apollo, and probably others. Here's the thing - there are NO perfect databases, especially for small businesses. Why? Because they have to rely on the business giving them information like number of employees, sales, etc. and it's rare for a small business to disclose their sales to a database company. So, it's all about algorithms. This means you need numbers and some manual grunt work.
commentor profile
+35 more replies.
Join the discussion