Community Data vs Startbase
Community Data
communitydata.ioStartbase
startbase.deSide by side
| Figure | Community Data | Startbase |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Startup Databases | 8.2 (#4) | 6.9 (#23) |
| Intended users | The public GraphQL API and open data repository are presented for developers building applications and others consuming or contributing structured startup ecosystem data. | The FAQs say the platform is for people in or interested in the German startup ecosystem, including employees, managers, journalists, founders, and investors. |
| Purpose | Community Data is a collaboratively maintained database of JSON documents focused initially on the startup ecosystem. | Startbase describes itself as a digital platform to help startups, investors, companies, and other ecosystem partners find and connect with one another. |
Plans
In their own words
Community Data
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.