Community Data vs Discover Startups

Community Data is a free, open database of more than 1 million people and companies, initially focused on the startup ecosystem. Its records are collaboratively maintained in an open-source repository as JSON documents that follow JSON Schema definitions. Schemas cover people, companies, locations, sectors, funding stages, and curated collections. A public GraphQL API lets developers query the data and build applications.

Anyone can contribute by creating or editing a JSON file. Commits are checked against the matching schema, and invalid documents cause a commit to be rejected. A proof-of-concept Next.js editor uses the GitHub API and requires contributors to authenticate with GitHub. Enhancer scripts can use public APIs or websites to structure information for the schemas and import it. Verified document owners are recorded by GitHub username, and their pull requests are automatically merged without review. Schema changes are proposed by pull request and reviewed by core contributors during monthly governance calls. The project uses the MIT License, copyright 2025.

Discover Startups is a vetted directory and matchmaking platform for early-stage, product-based founders. Its free Directory gives startups a profile, visibility to investors, media, buyers and partners, and watchlist notifications. Investors, journalists, retail buyers and brand partners can search using filters such as stage, sector and location, then contact founders directly through their inbox without per-introduction fees. Submissions are reviewed to check that a startup is real, its founder can be reached and its data is honest; revenue and stage are not acceptance gates. The paid Matchmaker plan adds AI-powered matching across press, retail, investor and event opportunities, with curated options founders can pursue or pass on. Founders can edit profiles, pause matching for audiences and add audiences they want to reach. Matchmaker also includes a founder-only WhatsApp community, events and webinars. It is an invite-only beta: applications are reviewed by hand, invitations arrive in small batches, and billing starts only after an invitation. Matchmaker costs £49.99 a month once invited. Service businesses are not accepted.