10 Best Industry Research Tools for Founders [2026 Updated]

1. Statista

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.statista.com
• Overview: Statista aggregates published statistics and market data across hundreds of industries and countries, offering charts, forecasts, and source citations for quick industry benchmarking. The platform also provides dossiers and industry reports that help marketers quantify market size, trends, and competitor presence.

2. IBISWorld

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.ibisworld.com
• Overview: IBISWorld delivers analyst-written industry reports with market size, five-year forecasts, competitive landscape, and key statistics tailored to enable strategic decision-making. Its Industry Data Wizard and downloadable charts make it practical for marketers needing actionable industry-level intelligence and risk analysis.

3. Euromonitor International

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.euromonitor.com
• Overview: Euromonitor provides global market research, consumer trends, and country-level industry reports with detailed market sizing and segmentation for consumer markets and retail channels. Marketers use its Passport platform to track category growth, consumer behavior shifts, and competitive positioning across regions.

4. Gartner (Marketing Research & Tools)

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.gartner.com
• Overview: Gartner offers in-depth market and technology research, benchmark reports, Hype Cycles, and Magic Quadrants that help marketers evaluate industry trends and vendor positioning. Its research and benchmarking tools guide strategic marketing investment decisions and competitive analysis.

5. CB Insights

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.cbinsights.com
• Overview: CB Insights provides private company data, deal flows, technology signals, and industry maps enabling marketers to identify emerging competitors, innovation trends, and sector-specific investment activity. The platform’s machine‑readable datasets and visual reports support discovery of growth pockets and strategic partnerships.

6. Crunchbase

• Type: Free
• URL: https://www.crunchbase.com
• Overview: Crunchbase aggregates startup, funding, and company profiles to help marketers research competitors, track sector funding trends, and discover active players in niche industries. Its searchable database and lists let marketing teams create prospect lists and monitor industry momentum.

7. Similarweb

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.similarweb.com
• Overview: Similarweb provides digital market intelligence including website and app traffic, engagement metrics, and industry benchmarking to map online market share and channel performance. Marketers use its industry and market analysis features to spot trends, benchmark competitors, and prioritize digital channels.

8. Forrester Research

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.forrester.com
• Overview: Forrester produces market and consumer research, forecasts, and technology vendor evaluations that help marketers understand demand-side behavior and technology impacts on industries. Its reports and Wave evaluations are commonly used to support positioning, go-to-market strategy, and market opportunity assessments.

9. PitchBook

• Type: Paid
• URL: https://www.pitchbook.com
• Overview: PitchBook offers comprehensive private and public company financials, M&A and VC/PE deal data, and industry research to help marketers analyze funding trends and competitive dynamics. The platform is useful for identifying high-growth industry segments, investor activity, and potential strategic partners.

10. Pew Research Center

• Type: Free
• URL: https://www.pewresearch.org
• Overview: Pew Research Center provides public-opinion polling, demographic research, and data-driven reports on social and media trends that inform industry-level consumer insights and cultural shifts. Marketers leverage Pew’s studies to ground audience segmentation, trend analysis, and evidence-based messaging.