Guides and databases: Business, Management, Entrepreneurship and Finance: Data sources

Key data sources

UCL provides access to a wealth of data sources for the business, management, entrepreneurship and finance. The data sources on this page cover:

Key data sources for company and financial data

Alpha Vantage Open-Access Stock API
Free stock API. Access to UK and other global financial and economic datasets, including historical equity and ETF time series data, company financials, and realtime/historical foreign exchange rates as well as digital/crypto currency prices. How to access: UCL members can obtain a free API key password from the provider website . Technical resources: read more on the financial market data industry and sample code snippets. If you are a spreadsheet user (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets), you may refer to the spreadsheet installation guide. Technical support is available to UCL members via support@alphavantage.co.
BankFocus
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Covering global information on over 47,000+ of the world’s public and private banks
Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
Use the 'company profiles' tab to find company reports from MarketLine.
CB Insights
Requires a UCL email address to create a password. Users must access via Desktop@UCL or the UCL VPN. This is a global private company database that contains details on venture capital and private equity.
Companies House
Website of Companies House, the UK organisation which incorporates and dissolves limited companies, examines and stores company information and makes this information available to the public.
Compustat - Capital IQ
Access for UCL students and staff only. Compustat data. Access is via a WRDS account: select the Register tab, complete the Account Request form to create a username and password and wait for a confirmation access email (this can take a few days).
CRSP: Center for Research in Security Prices
Access for UCL students and staff only. CRSP data. Access is via a WRDS account: select the Register tab, complete the Account Request form to create a username and password and wait for a confirmation access email (this can take a few days).
Datastream
See record for LSEG Workspace (Eikon).
EMIS : Emerging Markets Information Service
EMIS is a curator of multi-sector, multi-country industry research from over 4,500 renowned global providers and niche local sources. As well as over 10 million Emerging Market based companies and all globally listed companies. The platform is organised into: Companies, Industries and Regions/ Countries. For more information please see the EMIS Knowledge Portal for short videos on how to use different functions or for a more detailed explanation use the EMIS University User Guide
FAME
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Company data on every registered business in the UK and Ireland
fDi Markets
Login with UCL email address. Access is for current UCL students and staff only. Database of cross border greenfield investments covering all countries and sectors worldwide. Provides access to real-time monitoring of investment projects, capital investment and job creation.
Orbis
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Bureau van Dijk ’s global database with information on over 450 million public and private companies including, banks, vessels, insurance, and industrial companies covering 220+ countries
Orbis M&A
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Bureau van Dijk's solution for searching and analyzing intelligence on global mergers and acquisitions, containing M&A, IPO, private equity, and venture capital deals and rumours
Passport
You will need to log in with your UCL username and password. Please select 'Shibboleth' then choose UCL from the list of institutions. Use the companies menu to find company reports.
PitchBook
Access is for UCL students and staff only. Add your UCL email address and access via the UCL single sign-on. For any issues, please email support@pitchbook.com. PitchBook provides insight into the flow of capital across the venture capital, private equity and M&A ecosystem with detailed data on the private and public markets—including companies, investors, funds, investments, exits and people
Preqin Pro
Preqin Pro is a comprehensive database focused on Private Capital (Private Equity and Venture Capital) and Real Estate. It provides data about companies and funds, deals, exits, ESG exposure and strategies and Hedge Fund data.
LSEG Workspace (Eikon)
Access for UCL students and staff only. Contact the e-resources team to request a licence. Licences are initially for 1 week and may be reassigned after this depending on demand. Access includes SDC Platinum deal-making data add-on, to access SDC data, type SDC in the top search bar
SNL Financial (FIG)
Access for UCL students and staff only. Register via New user sign up, S&P Capital IQ Pro New User on initial use from a UCL computer, Desktop@UCL or the UCL VPN with your UCL email to create a username and password. Change between SNL Financial, Metals & Mining and Real Estate data by changing your ‘Current Profile’ within the ‘User Profile and Display Information’ in your user account. To search all modules, please use the Generalist profile.
WRDS (Wharton Research Data Services)
Access for UCL students and staff only. Includes Compustat, Orbis and CRSP data. Access is via a WRDS account: select the Register tab, complete the Account Request form to create a username and password and wait for a confirmation access email (this can take a few days).

See the Data and Statistics Guide - Business and Finance for suggestions of databases to use for various asset classes.

Key data sources for market and industry research

Business Market Research Collection
Contains company, industry, economic and geopolitical market research from: Hoover's Company Profiles, OxResearch and Snapshots
CB Insights
Requires a UCL email address to create a password. Users must access via Desktop@UCL or the UCL VPN. This is a global private company database that contains details on venture capital and private equity. Industry analysis is also provided with insight into industries such as Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, but also traditional industries such as Healthcare.
EMIS : Emerging Markets Information Service
EMIS is a curator of multi-sector, multi-country industry research from over 4,500 renowned global providers and niche local sources. As well as over 10 million Emerging Market based companies and all globally listed companies. The platform is organised into: Companies, Industries and Regions/ Countries. For more information please see the EMIS Knowledge Portal for short videos on how to use different functions or for a more detailed explanation use the EMIS University User Guide
Gartner
Access for UCL students and staff only. For more information please see the UCL ISD Gartner page. Gartner is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global IT industry.
IBISWorld
Country specific and Global Industry / Business research reports providing key analysis on performance, industry outlook, markets, competitive landscape, major companies, operating conditions and key statistics.
Mintel: UK, China and USA Reports and Mintel Trends
Access for UCL students and staff only. Mintel consumer reports combine exclusive consumer research with trustworthy market data and expert analysis. By tracking trends, analyzing and interpreting consumer behavior, Mintel Trends helps users understand changes in culture, markets and brands
Nexis
Database of news and company information. Find some MarketLine reports via the 'market insight' tab.
Passport
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Please select 'Institutional login' then choose UCL from the list of institutions. Euromonitor International offers quality international market intelligence on industries, countries and consumers.
Statista
Statista is an online portal for statistics consolidating statistical data on over 80,000 topics from more than 22,500 sources and covering over 170 different industries. UCL users do not have access to the Company database or the Global Consumer Survey. The Research AI assistant can provide useful insights into Statista data, but be aware of the limitations of using generative AI for your academic work.

Key resources for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data

IBISWorld
Country specific and Global Industry / Business research reports providing key analysis on performance, industry outlook, markets, competitive landscape, major companies, operating conditions and key statistics.
Passport
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Please select 'Institutional login' then choose UCL from the list of institutions. Euromonitor International offers quality international market intelligence on industries, countries and consumers.
PitchBook
Access is for UCL students and staff only. Create an account on first use with your UCL email address and set a password. All access must be via the UCL PitchBook portal. Select the Sustainability tab for your chosen company. ESG data are provided by Sustainanalytics.
Preqin Pro
Preqin Pro is a comprehensive database focused on Private Capital (Private Equity and Venture Capital) and Real Estate. It provides data about companies and funds, deals, exits, ESG exposure and strategies and Hedge Fund data.
LSEG Workspace (Eikon)
Access for UCL students and staff only. Contact the e-resources team to request a licence. Licences are initially for 1 week and may be reassigned after this depending on demand. Access includes SDC Platinum deal-making data add-on, to access SDC data, type SDC in the top search bar
Orbis
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Bureau van Dijk ’s global database with information on over 450 million public and private companies including, banks, vessels, insurance, and industrial companies covering 220+ countries
Sustainable Views (FT)
Access for UCL students and staff only. Username and password required for login, request this via the Contact the E-Resources Team form. Sustainable Views covers information on developments in ESG policy and regulation, the impact of sustainability metrics on capital markets, and the transition to a green and just economy.

FAQ: How do I find ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data?

Key data sources for socio-economic and country information

Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
See the LibrarySkills@UCL guide to EBSCOhost. Business Source Complete is a scholarly business database, providing a collection of bibliographic and full text content. Accessibility statement for Business Source Complete. Find country information through going to 'publications' and searching for a country. Click the 'browse' button. Country reports from MarketLine will be one of the results.
Economist Intelligence Unit Country Reports Archive, 1952-1995
The Economist Intelligence Unit has published Country Reports since 1952, covering almost 200 countries. Each report presents detailed statistics alongside expert commentary and forecasting from the EIU’s analysts. This database presents the historical reports up to 1995. For current reports, access EIU Viewpoint.
EIU Viewpoint
Combines the Economist Intelligence Unit’s expert political insights, policy analysis and economic outlook with forward-looking forecasts and proprietary data. Includes EIU Country Reports.
EMIS : Emerging Markets Information Service
EMIS is a curator of multi-sector, multi-country industry research from over 4,500 renowned global providers and niche local sources. As well as over 10 million Emerging Market based companies and all globally listed companies. The platform is organised into: Companies, Industries and Regions/ Countries. For more information please see the EMIS Knowledge Portal for short videos on how to use different functions or for a more detailed explanation use the EMIS University User Guide
ICPSR
You need to create an account in order to download data. ICPSR acquires, preserves, enhances, and distributes original social science research data for research and instruction.
OECD iLibrary
Index of publications from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Formerly SourceOECD.
Passport
You will need to log in with your UCL username and password. Please select 'Shibboleth' then choose UCL from the list of institutions. You will be able to find country reports in this database.
Statista
Statista is an online portal for statistics consolidating statistical data on over 80,000 topics from more than 22,500 sources and covering over 170 different industries. UCL users do not have access to the Company database or the Global Consumer Survey. The Research AI assistant can provide useful insights into Statista data, but be aware of the limitations of using generative AI for your academic work.
UK Data Service
The UK Data Service is a comprehensive resource funded by the ESRC to support researchers, teachers and policymakers who depend on high-quality social and economic data. Registration is required if you wish to download, order or analyse data online, where this is possible. Use your UCL username and password.

Key data sources for intellectual property (IP)

Orbis Intellectual Property (Orbis IP)
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Orbis IP links global patent and company data, covering all countries across the globe, it tracks approximately 145 million patents and links them to detailed company information and ownership structures.

Key data sources for patents

"A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem." (World Intellectual Property Organization)

Patents offer valuable insight into recent innovations and provide technical specifications that can guide experimental design. They also enhance researchers' understanding of intellectual property rights, helping them navigate the patenting process and ensure their work receives proper credit and protection.

Below are some useful tools for finding patents:

Google Patents
Search and patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Derwent Innovations Index
Value-added patent information from Derwent World Patent Index as well as patent citation information from Patents Citation Index.
Espacenet : Patent search
Espacenet contains all the patent documentation available to European Patent Office examiners and the latest patent applications from all the EPO member states.
Orbis Intellectual Property (Orbis IP)
Access for UCL students and staff only, UCL sign in required. Orbis IP links global patent and company data, covering all countries across the globe, it tracks approximately 145 million patents and links them to detailed company information and ownership structures.
SCOPUS
Includes data from 13 million patents.
USPTO Patent Database
The database includes information about all US patents (including utility, design, reissue, plant patents and SIR documents) from the first patent issued in 1790 to the most recent issue week.

Data and statistics

Guide to data and statistics
Includes resource lists mainly in the social sciences, alongside support material and FAQs, but also pointers to finding data more generally. Also, there’s further information and guidance about analysing, visualising, referencing and managing data, as well as text and data mining.

What is Refinitiv Workspace and how do I use it?

What is Refinitiv Workspace and how do I use it?

The Data: How-to guides offer further guidance, e.g. in the area of ESG data.

Key market research databases at UCL

Learn more about some of the key market research databases that are available at UCL. This presentation lets users know what each database is good for, what countries are covered, what industries are covered, and it provides links to help and support.