Question 1

What is the best Crunchbase alternative?

Accepted Answer

For AI and deep-tech specifically, StartupHub.ai is the strongest Crunchbase alternative. It is free to search, and unlike Crunchbase it offers a self-serve REST and MCP API that discovers new and stealth-mode startups in real time, with pay-per-call pricing instead of an enterprise contract.

Question 2

Is there a free Crunchbase alternative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. StartupHub.ai gives free access to its AI startup directory, funding rounds, and investor profiles with no credit card. A free API tier (100 queries/day) is included; paid tiers unlock higher volume and stealth-mode rows.

Question 3

Is there a Crunchbase API alternative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. StartupHub.ai exposes the directory through GET /api/v1/startups and a Model Context Protocol endpoint at /api/v1/mcp. It is self-serve (a key in 30 seconds, no enterprise sales process) and supports x402 pay-per-call so AI agents can query it autonomously.

Question 4

How is StartupHub.ai different from Crunchbase?

Accepted Answer

Crunchbase is the system of record for companies that have already raised or have a public profile. StartupHub.ai sits earlier in the timeline: it surfaces newly launched and stealth-mode companies before they appear elsewhere, focuses on the AI ecosystem, and is API-first and agent-native.

Question 5

When is Crunchbase still the better choice?

Accepted Answer

Crunchbase wins for broad, cross-industry coverage, decades of historical M&A data, and large enterprises that already standardize on it. If you need every company in every sector going back years, Crunchbase is deeper. For finding what is new, AI-focused, or in stealth, StartupHub.ai is purpose-built.

Question 6

Does it cover stealth-mode startups?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and Crunchbase does not. StartupHub.ai surfaces companies operating in stealth, before a public launch, and exposes them via GET /api/v1/startups?stealth=true on Pro and above. See the stealth startup API page for details.

Question 7

What does it cost compared to Crunchbase?

Accepted Answer

StartupHub.ai is free to browse, with a free API tier. Paid plans run $30 to $90/month, versus Crunchbase Pro and its enterprise API contracts which are materially more expensive. You pay for what you query rather than a seat or annual license.

Question 8

Does it work with AI agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same data is available over MCP for Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf, and agents can pay per call through x402 with no account, which no incumbent startup database offers.

Feature	StartupHub.ai	Crunchbase
Free access tier
AI / deep-tech focus
Real-time new-startup discovery
Stealth-mode startup coverage
Self-serve REST API (no sales cycle)
MCP server for Claude / Cursor
Pay-per-call (x402) for agents
Funding round + investor data
Enterprise-grade global coverage
Decades of historical M&A data

The Best Crunchbase Alternative for AI Startups

StartupHub.ai vs Crunchbase

Why choose StartupHub.ai over Crunchbase

Real-time discovery

Stealth-mode coverage

API-first and self-serve

Agent-native pricing

AI-first focus

Free to browse

When Crunchbase is still the better choice

Frequently asked questions

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