Companies like
In short
"Companies like" describes searching for businesses that resemble a company you already know, such as "companies like Stripe" or "companies like our top 20 customers." The search compares traits such as industry, size, technology, and business model.
It is the practical, search-box version of lookalike modeling. Instead of defining filters first, you give the tool an example and ask for similar accounts, which is quick when you know your best customer but have not written down an ICP.
What "similar" can mean
- Firmographics: Same industry, similar headcount, and region.
- Technology: Uses the same or related tools.
- Business model: Sells in the same way, such as marketplace, subscription, or services.
- Description and content: Offers similar products or describes itself in similar terms.
How to use it for prospecting
1. Pick strong seed companies
Choose customers with high retention and expansion, not just recent wins. Weak seeds produce weak matches.
2. Search and review
Run the search, then check the first results by hand. Ask whether each one would actually buy and which trait made it appear.
3. Turn matches into filters
If the results share a trait such as a certain tech stack, add it to your ICP so you can repeat the search without a seed.
4. Exclude what does not fit
Remove competitors, existing customers, and companies that match your negative ICP.
Example
Say a team sells payroll software and its best customer is a 300-person logistics firm. A "companies like" search on that firm returns other mid-sized logistics and distribution companies. The team keeps those in its regions and adds the shared traits to its ICP.
Common mistakes
- One seed only: A single company may be unusual. Use several seeds when you can.
- Surface similarity: Companies can look alike but have different needs or budgets.
- Skipping review: Always spot-check before loading a list into outreach.
Companies like FAQs
How do you find companies like a specific company?
Use a company search tool that accepts an example company, then review the matches based on traits such as industry, size, technology, and business model. Check a sample by hand and remove competitors and existing customers.
What does "companies like" mean in sales prospecting?
It means searching for businesses similar to a known company, often your best customer, to build prospect lists. It shortcuts the work of writing an ICP by letting examples define what a good account looks like.
What is the difference between a companies like search and lookalike audiences?
A companies like search returns a list of similar companies you can prospect directly. Lookalike audiences are usually built inside an ad platform to reach people resembling a seed group, without giving you an account list.
How many seed companies should you use for a companies like search?
Use as many strong examples as you can, typically a handful to a few dozen top customers. More seeds reduce the risk that one unusual company skews results. Choose by retention and expansion, not just recent wins.
