Crunchbase Show Hidden Results: Data Liberation Browser Extension
Built Chrome extension using reverse engineering and web scraping to unlock hidden Crunchbase results, providing free access to premium business intelligence data.
Impact & Results
The Problem
Crunchbase limits search results to only show a few entries unless users pay for premium subscriptions, hiding valuable business intelligence data behind paywalls. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and analysts need access to comprehensive company, investor, and funding data for market research and competitive analysis. The hidden results contain crucial information about funding rounds, acquisitions, people, and events that are essential for business decision-making but inaccessible to free users.
The Solution
Developed Chrome extension using reverse engineering techniques to analyze Crunchbase's client-side data loading mechanisms. Built intelligent web scraping system that intercepts and processes hidden API responses to reveal additional search results. Implemented content script injection that seamlessly integrates with Crunchbase's existing UI, displaying hidden results as if they were part of the original interface. Created robust DOM manipulation system supporting 8 different content types including Companies, Investors, Funding rounds, Acquisitions, People, Events, Schools, and Hubs.
The Results
Successfully created working Chrome extension that reveals 10+ additional hidden results across all major Crunchbase search categories. Enabled free access to premium business intelligence data without requiring API keys or external services. Built user-friendly installation process with clear documentation and troubleshooting guides. Demonstrated successful reverse engineering of complex web application data flows and client-side rendering mechanisms. Created reusable framework for browser-based data liberation tools.
Technical Challenges
Reverse engineering Crunchbase's complex client-side rendering and data loading mechanisms without access to source code. Building robust web scraping that works across different search result types and page layouts. Handling dynamic content loading and asynchronous API responses in browser extension context. Creating seamless UI integration that doesn't break existing Crunchbase functionality. Ensuring extension stability across Crunchbase website updates and maintaining compatibility with Chrome extension security policies.