2. Bureau van Dijk (A Moody’s Analytics Company)
Overview:
Part of Moody’s Analytics, Bureau van Dijk specializes in private company data and ownership intelligence . Its flagship product, Orbis , combines millions of data points from global sources and is known for its depth and reliability.
What makes it different:
*Detailed corporate hierarchies and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) info
*Extensive financials, even for private firms
*Compliance tools, including anti-money laundering and transfer pricing solutions
*Excellent coverage across Europe and emerging markets
Ideal for: Financial analysts, compliance teams, and multinational corporations that need reliable corporate intelligence.
3. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Trusted worldwide:
Dun & Bradstreet is one of the most recognized names in business intelligence, with data on over 500 million businesses globally . The company’s proprietary D-U-N-S Number system is widely used for verifying and monitoring organizations.
Key strengths:
*Comprehensive credit scores and risk indicators
*Global data coverage with local detail
*Supplier risk and financial health analysis
*Integration into CRMs and ERPs
Best for: Companies operating globally who need trusted, scalable data for prospecting, onboarding, or risk mitigation.
4. Coface
Dual expertise in credit insurance & information services:
Coface is a global credit insurer and business information provider. It delivers a mix of credit insurance, financial reports , and risk data tailored for exporters and financial institutions.
Highlights:
*Country and sector risk analysis
*Real-time credit assessments
*Strong European and emerging market presence
*Customized risk scoring models
Ideal for: Risk managers and exporters looking to evaluate clients and suppliers before extending credit.
5. Creditsafe Italia
A direct competitor to Cerved in Italy:
Creditsafe is one of Europe’s fastest-growing providers of credit data. Its Italian platform provides user-friendly access to real-time insights on over 365 million companies globally .
What it offers:
*Straightforward credit reports and financial summaries
*Compliance and anti-fraud data
*Integrations with CRMs and financial systems
*Transparent pricing and intuitive interface
Perfect for: Italian SMEs and corporations needing real-time financial intelligence in a familiar local context.
6. Zavia.ai
Startup-focused, AI-driven platform:
Zavia.ai is designed for the modern tech ecosystem , aggregating data from open sources and applying machine learning to highlight market signals, risks, and opportunities.
Features include:
*Focus on startups and fast-growing companies
*AI-powered company scoring and analysis
*Market trend and investment insights
*Tailored for VC, tech, and innovation sectors
Best for: Investors, VCs, and innovation teams tracking early-stage companies.
7. Zephira.ai
Developer-first data access:
Zephira is a flexible platform that offers on-demand access to company registry data via APIs. It’s built for teams that want to embed real-time company data into apps, CRMs, or compliance tools.
What makes it unique:
*Usage-based pricing (no upfront licensing)
*Global registry and UBO data
*Easy integration into existing systems
*Fast setup for tech teams and developers
Ideal for: SaaS providers, regtech startups, and internal teams building data-driven workflows.
8. ReportAziende
Italian-focused business intelligence:
ReportAziende offers company profiles, financial statements, and legal data directly sourced from Italian public registries.
Strengths:
*Quick access to data on Italian firms
*Ownership structure and shareholder insights
*Pay-per-report or subscription options
Great for: Local businesses and legal professionals looking for cost-effective and verified company info.
9. InfoCamere
Official business registry data:
InfoCamere is the IT backbone of the Italian Chambers of Commerce , managing the national company register.
Features:
*Access to official, up-to-date registry data
*Financial, legal, and tax information
*Trusted by lawyers, accountants, and compliance professionals
Best for: Verified data on Italian companies directly from the source.
10. CRIF
Credit bureau with a European edge:
CRIF offers a broad suite of services including credit scoring, business information, and decisioning tools . It is a leading player in Italy and has strong presence across Europe and Asia.
Highlights:
*Business credit ratings and scoring
*Integrated credit management solutions
*Consumer and commercial data
*Custom analytics and risk modeling
Perfect for: Banks, fintechs, and companies needing sophisticated risk analysis.
FAQ – Choosing the Right Cerved Alternative
Q1: Which Cerved competitor is best for global B2B prospecting?
A: Global Database and Dun & Bradstreet offer the most extensive global coverage, especially for sales and marketing use cases.
Q2: What if I need official Italian registry data?
A: InfoCamere is the official source, while ReportAziende and Creditsafe Italia offer simplified access with value-added features.
Q3: Are there flexible, developer-friendly options?
A: Yes. Zephira.ai offers usage-based API access with easy integration for dev teams.
Q4: What’s best for analyzing startup ecosystems or VC targets?
A: Zavia.ai focuses on startups, venture-backed companies, and trend analysis using open data and AI.
Q5: Is there a free alternative to Cerved?
A: Most platforms are commercial, but Zavia.ai and ReportAziende offer freemium models or pay-per-report access, which can be more budget-friendly.
