Alternatives
The Best CB Insights Alternative for AI Startups
Short answer: StartupHub.ai is the strongest CB Insights alternative for AI and deep tech. It is free to search, discovers new and stealth-mode startups in real time, and ships a self-serve REST and MCP API with x402 pay-per-call, without an enterprise seat license.
StartupHub.ai vs CB Insights
| Feature | StartupHub.ai | CB Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Free access tier | ||
| AI / deep-tech focus | ||
| Real-time new-startup discovery | ||
| Stealth-mode startup coverage | ||
| Self-serve API (no seat license) | ||
| MCP server for Claude / Cursor | ||
| Pay-per-call (x402) for agents | ||
| Market maps + funding + investors | ||
| Analyst reports + market sizing |
Why choose StartupHub.ai over CB Insights
Free to start
No seat license, no enterprise contract. The directory, market maps, and a free API tier are open.
Real-time + stealth
New and stealth-mode AI companies the moment they emerge, via GET /api/v1/startups. See /stealth-startup-api.
API-first + agent-native
REST + MCP, a key in 30 seconds, and x402 pay-per-call so agents can query on their own.
AI-ecosystem focus
LLM companies, agents, infra, and deep tech, not broad cross-industry coverage.
When CB Insights is still the better choice
CB Insights wins for polished analyst reports, market-sizing research, and broad cross-industry tech intelligence for large enterprises. StartupHub.ai wins for AI-focused real-time discovery, stealth coverage, a free tier, and programmatic or agent access.
Frequently asked questions
Start exploring for free
Search the directory free, or grab an API key in 30 seconds. Real-time + stealth, REST + MCP + x402.