What Vertical IQ does

Vertical IQ is a private Raleigh, NC-based industry intelligence platform founded in 2010 serving professionals who advise or lend to small and medium-sized businesses. The company's core product is a library of 1,600+ Industry Profiles — 30- to 40-page research documents covering 100% of the US economy and Canada — supplemented by 3,400+ Local Economic Profiles spanning 300+ MSAs and 3,100+ counties. The platform is built on a modular architecture in which the Industry Profile serves as the foundation, with add-on modules including AI-powered Industry Risk Ratings, Credit Underwriting support, Prep Sheets, SalesKit, Sort & Target ranking, Financial Comparison Toolkit, Localized Industry Data, and Global Perspective international data. Underlying technology includes a proprietary AI-driven risk rating algorithm (factoring financial risk, exit rates, downturn performance, barriers to entry, and outlook) and a Data Access API that embeds Vertical IQ content inside CRM platforms (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Hubspot), loan management systems (Abrigo, nCino), and partner platforms (S&P Global, RelPro), with mobile apps extending access to iOS and Android.

The company monetizes through three primary tiers: (1) individual industry reports at $185 each (one-time/perpetual license), (2) Business Pro subscriptions at $1,600/year for up to 3 users (or $1,200/year for single-user), and (3) Enterprise solutions with custom pricing, multi-year contracts, dedicated customer success management, LexisNexis news access, AbsolutePD, and API integration. Go-to-market is multi-channel: enterprise field sales for organizations with 15+ employees, inside sales/self-serve for Business Pro, and OEM/API distribution through technology partners. The customer base skews toward commercial and community banks (with named logos including Northwest Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, Chelsea Groton Bank, Lakeland Bank, Banner Bank, BMO, M&T, and United Community Bank), alongside accounting/financial advisors, insurance producers, technology solution providers, BPO firms, and small business development centers. The company employs 11-50 people and operates without disclosed outside funding, suggesting an organic-growth, founder-led operating model.

Name

Vertical IQ

Legal name

Vertical IQ

Website

https://verticaliq.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vertical IQ is a private Raleigh-based industry intelligence platform providing 1,600+ Industry Profiles and 3,400+ Local Economic Profiles to banking, accounting, and advisory professionals who serve small and medium-sized businesses, monetizing via subscriptions, individual reports, and API integrations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Intelligence and Market Research Software

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132), Software Publishers (51321)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Vertical/Specialty Search (e.g., jobs, real estate, travel, products) (BPAMAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Financial Services Personalization (Banking, Investing, Insurance) (HDAAAGAH)

Keywords

• Industry intelligence platform
• Industry research software
• Sales enablement tool
• Financial benchmarking data
• Credit underwriting analytics

Headquarters

HQ city

Raleigh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Enterprise Subscriptions: Large-scale customized solutions for teams with more than 15 employees. Includes all Business Pro features plus AbsolutePD, LexisNexis industry news, flexible licensing, customized training, dedicated customer success manager, co-branding capabilities, and API integration.
2. Business Pro Subscriptions: Unlimited access subscription for up to 3 users at $1,600/year (annual) or $450/quarter (quarterly). Includes 1,600+ Industry Profiles, 3,400+ Local Economic Profiles, 16+ chapters per profile, financial benchmarks, industry risk analysis, and push email notifications.
3. Individual Industry Reports: Single industry profile reports available for $185 per report with PDF download delivery. Includes 12 chapters and covers 350+ reports.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Vertical IQ sells a cloud-based Industry Intelligence platform that delivers 1,600+ curated Industry Profiles (40+ pages each) covering 100% of the U.S. economy and Canada, plus 3,400+ Local Economic Profiles for 300+ MSAs and 3,100+ counties. The platform serves bankers, accountants, insurance producers, BPO firms, and small business advisors with AI-powered Industry Risk Ratings, financial benchmarking, sales prep materials, credit underwriting support, and CRM/loan-system API integrations. Offerings are sold via $185 individual reports, Business Pro subscriptions ($1,600/year for up to 3 users), and custom-priced Enterprise contracts.

Product overview

Vertical IQ is an Industry Intelligence platform providing comprehensive data and research on U.S. and Canadian industries. The core product is the Industry Profile, a 30+ page research report covering 100% of the U.S. economy and Canada through 1,600+ profiles. The platform operates on a modular architecture where users access Industry Profiles as the foundation, enhanced by add-on modules including Industry Brief (concise credit risk summaries), Industry News (curated news content), SalesKit (tailored communications), Prep Sheets (5-minute summaries), Credit Underwriting & Risks (AI-powered risk ratings), Global Perspective (international data), Sector Profiles (macroeconomic views), Localized Industry Data (MSA/county level), Local Economies (regional economic profiles), Sort & Target (AI-powered ranking), and Financial Comparison Toolkit (financial benchmarking). Technology offerings include a Data Access API for CRM and loan system integration and a Mobile App for iOS and Android. Pricing tiers include individual report purchases ($185), Business Pro subscription ($1,600/year for up to 3 users), and Enterprise solutions with custom pricing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Industry Profile The signature Vertical IQ product providing comprehensive industry intelligence with more than 30 pages of the latest industry research covering 100% of the U.S. economy and Canada. Each profile includes an insightful summary, key financials, and sales call preparation materials, sold standalone at $185 per report or as part of Business Pro and Enterprise subscriptions.
• Business Pro Subscription Subscription tier priced at $1,600 per year (annual billing) or $450 per quarter, providing unlimited access for up to 3 users. Includes 1,600+ Industry Profiles, 3,400+ Local Economic Profiles, 16+ chapters per profile, financial benchmarks, industry risk analysis, and push email notifications, with a 7-day free trial available.
• Enterprise Subscription Custom-priced enterprise solution for teams with 15+ employees, including all Business Pro features plus AbsolutePD, LexisNexis industry news, flexible licensing, customized training, dedicated Customer Success Manager, co-branding capabilities, and API integration. Sold via multi-year contracts through enterprise field sales.
• Industry Brief (Credit and Risk Brief) An easy-to-print industry resource providing succinct summaries of each industry plus a proprietary Industry Risk Rating for business and sales call preparation and credit underwriting, powered by AI algorithms based on financial risk, exit rates, downturn performance, barriers to entry, and industry outlook.
• Industry News Curated, shareable industry-specific data and news content from reputable news organizations and trade publications, categorized by News, Analysis, Insights, or Regulatory topics, surfaced within each Industry Profile.
• SalesKit Sales enablement and marketing tool enabling users to create tailored prospecting letters, presentations, and communications incorporating Industry Intelligence for prospects and clients.
• Prep Sheets One-page summaries for quick meeting preparation, enabling users to get up to speed on an industry in just 5 minutes with working capital insights, quarterly summaries, and call prep questions.
• Credit Underwriting & Risks Credit decision support module featuring proprietary Industry Risk Ratings powered by AI, key performance metrics, and underwriting considerations for structuring deals and making lending decisions.
• Global Perspective International industry data providing insights on global companies, import/export trends, and supply chain impacts for industries with significant international presence.
• Sector Profiles Macroeconomic sector-level overviews covering major segments of the U.S. economy including Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and more, featuring geographic breakdowns and technology investment data.
• Localized Industry Data Industry-specific local market data at the MSA (300+ metropolitan statistical areas) and county level (3,100+ counties) including business locations, employment, wages, population growth, and local spending GDP.
• Local Economies Local economic profiles covering more than 300 MSAs and 3,100+ counties with Quarterly National Economic Outlook, population and income data, employment stats, residential real estate, and business dynamics.
• Sort & Target Industry ranking and filtering tool using AI to automatically sort data points on hundreds of industries for data-driven prospecting, marketing plan development, and strategic target market selection.
• Financial Comparison Toolkit Custom analytics calculator allowing users to compare client key financial metrics to industry averages, supporting credit decisions and business advisory conversations.
• Vertical IQ Data Access API Application programming interface enabling customers to access and embed specific industry content from Vertical IQ's Industry Profiles directly into CRM systems (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot), loan management platforms (Abrigo, nCino), websites, intranets, and business applications, with unique per-administrator security keys.
• Mobile App Native mobile application for iPhone (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) providing on-the-go access to all Industry Profiles with 10 most popular chapters and Big Picture video overview for sales call preparation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Build trust with clients and prospects faster by demonstrating deep understanding of their industry before every meeting
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• SalesforcecoreTechnology or IntegrationCRM integration partner allowing Vertical IQ content to be embedded within Salesforce applications. Enables sales teams to access industry intelligence directly within their CRM workflow.
• Microsoft DynamicscoreTechnology or IntegrationCRM integration partner enabling Vertical IQ content access within Microsoft Dynamics platform. Provides seamless workflow integration for users.
• HubspotcoreTechnology or IntegrationCRM integration partner allowing Vertical IQ content to surface within Hubspot applications for marketing, sales, and service workflows.
• AbrigocoreTechnology or IntegrationLoan management system integration partner. Vertical IQ content is incorporated into Abrigo's loan management and credit analysis platforms for banking clients.
• nCinocoreTechnology or IntegrationCloud banking platform integration partner. Vertical IQ industry intelligence is available within nCino's commercial lending and account management solutions.
• S&P GlobalflagshipTechnology or IntegrationStrategic integration partner providing access to Vertical IQ content within S&P Global's financial information and analytics platforms. Enterprise tier includes access to S&P Global data.
• RelProcoreTechnology or IntegrationBanking technology integration partner. RelPro integrates Vertical IQ industry intelligence into their relationship management and business development solutions for banks.
• America's SBDCflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerContent partnership with America's Small Business Development Centers network. Vertical IQ provides industry intelligence trusted by SBDC advisors to support small business clients. Contributes content expertise from America's SBDC.
• US Small Business AdministrationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerContent partnership providing trusted insight from US Small Business Administration experts within Vertical IQ industry profiles. Supports SBA's mission to support small businesses through industry-specific guidance.
• Local Market MonitorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeparate product (Local Market Monitor) providing local economic data and forecasts. Quarterly National Economic Outlook provided by local economy experts from Local Market Monitor. Over 300 MSAs and 3,100+ counties covered.
• LexisNexiscoreTechnology or IntegrationEnterprise tier includes access to LexisNexis industry news. Provides curated, timely industry-specific news content from reputable sources within Vertical IQ platform.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• First Research: First Research produces industry profiles and risk reports specifically tuned to commercial banking and lender workflows. Acquired by D&B in 2022, it is a direct head-to-head competitor for banker call preparation and credit underwriting use cases.
• RMA (Risk Management Association): RMA serves commercial bankers with industry benchmarks, credit risk data, and annual statement studies used in underwriting. Its member-bank focus and credit-focused industry data make it a credible substitute for Vertical IQ inside bank risk and credit departments.
• Plunkett Research: Plunkett Research publishes industry intelligence reports, company profiles, and trends analysis sold to libraries, professionals, and students. Its subscription model and industry report focus position it as a smaller-scale direct peer to Vertical IQ's Industry Profiles.
• IBISWorld: IBISWorld publishes industry research reports covering thousands of US and global industries, sold via subscription to banks, accountants, and consultants. Its content depth, paywalled industry reports, and target customer base overlap almost exactly with Vertical IQ's.

Others

• Crunchbase: Crunchbase provides company- and industry-level intelligence used by sales, marketing, and finance professionals. While company-centric rather than industry-centric, it overlaps with Vertical IQ in serving SMB advisory and prospecting workflows at a lower price point.

Emerging players

• RelPro: RelPro provides relationship intelligence and prospecting data to commercial bankers, integrating Vertical IQ industry content as a feature. Its core sales/CRM data offering partially overlaps with Vertical IQ's sales enablement positioning for banks.
• Sageworks (now Abrigo): Abrigo provides loan portfolio and credit risk analytics to community and regional banks. Vertical IQ content is embedded into Abrigo's loan management platform, but Abrigo also surfaces its own benchmarking and analytics — creating both a partner and an adjacent competitor dynamic.

Broad incumbents

• Dun & Bradstreet: D&B offers private company data, industry classification, and sales intelligence used heavily by banks and B2B sales teams. Its Hoover's/D&B Hoovers product competes directly with Vertical IQ's industry intelligence for sales preparation and prospecting.
• Moody's Analytics: Moody's Analytics provides credit risk, industry, and economic data and models to financial institutions globally. Its Banking and Commercial Real Estate products overlap with Vertical IQ's credit underwriting and industry risk offerings, though at a much larger enterprise scale.
• S&P Global Market Intelligence: S&P Global's Market Intelligence division provides industry research, financial data, and analytics to banks, corporates, and investors. S&P Global is also a flagship integration partner of Vertical IQ, indicating direct overlap in serving commercial banking credit and risk workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vertical-iq
• Xx.com/VerticalIQ

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vertical IQ