Private Company Resource
- PrivCo This link opens in a new window
PrivCo is a proprietary database that sources info on private company financial data for more than 800,000 U.S. companies. Keyword search for Minority-led, Women-led, Family-owned, and B Corporation Certified businesses. PrivCo's focus is on companies that are earning at least $1 million in annual revenue or have at least $1 million in venture capital backing. Also includes info on investors.
NOTE: You must use GlobalProtect VPN to access the database if you are connecting from off-campus.
- Create your own account using your Kellogg email address. SSO not available for this resource.
- PrivCo Use Agreement: PrivCo is for academic and career research purposes only.
Contact Us!
Email cmclibrary@kellogg.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Do you have feedback for us? Please let us know!
How to Get Started
- Startup & Growth Stage Resources One PagerOverview from the CMC & KIEI on top resources for students starting their startup job search journey.
Finding Startups
Targeting recently funded startups? Start with CB Insights & Pitchbook!
- CB Insights This link opens in a new window
PE, VC, and angel investment database that tracks startups, their investors, and trends and research for the industries they compete in. Offers Expert Collections, analyst-curated lists that highlight the companies you need to know in the most important technology spaces, such as Health Tech, AI, Aerospace & Space Tech, Fintech, Renewable Energy, and many more.
NOTE: You must use GlobalProtect VPN to access the database if you are connecting from off-campus.
- Create your own account using your Kellogg email address. SSO is not available for this resource.
- Please note that CB Insights accounts must be renewed after one year. If your account expires, please email CB Insights directly at university@cbinsights.com
- CB Insights Use Agreement: CB Insights is for academic and career research purposes only.
Watch a brief
database overview
- PitchBook This link opens in a new window
PitchBook tracks startups, public and private equity markets, including venture capital, private equity, real estate, and M&A. Includes contact information. See the Research Center under Library on the left menu for private company, industry, and technology research reports from PitchBook's analysts.
NOTE: You must use GlobalProtect VPN to access the database if you are connecting from off-campus.
- Create an account using your Kellogg email address. SSO not available for this resource.
- Please note that PitchBook accounts expire annually in June. Go through the steps to create your account again using your Kellogg email address and your account will be restored.
- PitchBook Use Agreement: A User may only use PitchBook internally for academic, educational, and scholarly use, must limit that use to what is allowed under this Agreement, and may not permit anyone else (including, without limitation, other employees, students or faculty of Subscriber) to use their user name or password to access/use the Site or any Services.
PitchBook FAQs and Glossary
Watch a brief on how to find alumni
Watch a brief on how to build a target list of private equity or venture capital firms
Watch a brief on how to build a target list of startups
How Do I Find Additional Startups or Private Companies That Are Growing?
- ChicagoInno: Chicago Startups That Are Hiring Right NowRegister for an American City Business Journals account for full access.
- FormDsSee who is raising money by searching for the form that startups and investment firms file with the SEC when raising money.
- Midwest StartupsFor anyone looking to join a startup, gain an understanding of the Midwest ecosystem, or discover and learn from VC-backed founders, investors and experts.
Startups Company Rankings
- Built In: Explore Top Tech Startup Companies
Filter by location, size, company perks/benefits, and more. - CB Insights: AI 100 - The most promising artificial intelligence startups of 2024
You must first create your CB Insights account to access the list. - The a16z Marketplace 100Ranking of the largest and fastest-growing consumer-facing marketplace startups and private companies.
- American Inno: Startups to Watch 2024Log in with your American City Business Journals account to view.
- Chicago Inno's Fire Awards 202450 companies igniting Chicago tech. Register for an American City Business Journals account for full access.
- Chicago Inno: Chicago Startups to Watch In 2025Register for an American City Business Journals account for full access.
- Growjo 1000A list of the 1,000 Fastest Growing Companies in the World. Scroll to the bottom of the page to filter by city, state, or industry.
More Ideas for Your Target List
- American City Business Journals This link opens in a new window
Local business and industry news access to all 45 of the Business Journal markets around the country. Includes Book of Lists for each city. Chicago and New York available in print at the CMC Library. CSV download of lists is not included in this subscription.
NOTE: Milwaukee is the home/default city for ACBJ. Use the "Select a City" option after registering to switch markets.
Register for your account with your Kellogg email address or Kellogg alumni email address.
Watch a brief on using the resource to access business news and the Book of Lists.
