13 Lead Generation Companies & Services [+Selection Guide]

Let me guess—

You’re looking at ways to scale lead generation.

Am I right?

You need to build a sustainable pipeline. You can either build an in-house sales team to attract potential customers (and implement the right software) or outsource it to B2B lead generation companies.

The lead generation solution market is booming, so there’s no shortage of services and tech. The only challenge is finding the right.

Top lead generation companies list

We’ve gathered the best companies offering lead generation services to help you find a good fit for your business. You can scroll down for a more in-depth description.

1. Cognism

Cognism is not a typical lead generation company. It’s a premium sales intelligence platform with headquarters in the UK and a globally compliant B2B contact database.

You can perform company and contact searches in the EMEA, NAM, and APAC markets, but what makes Cognism stand out is its high-quality European data. 

Key features

• Access to B2B emails and phone-verified mobile numbers (GDPR & CCPA compliant, US & European DNCs checked).
• Do Not Call lists (DNC), Cognism is scrubbed against 13 countries.
• Unrestricted individual and page-level viewing and exporting (no credits).
• Integrations with popular CRMs and sales tools to prospect into owned accounts.
• Cognism Chrome Extension that works over Outreach and Salesforce to enrich records without switching to another tool.
• Access to key account and lead information on company websites (e.g., company details, their technology stack, and key decision-makers).
• Access to prospects’ connections to close multithread deals.
• Sales triggers, technographics, and Bombora’s intent data.

Pricing

• All Cognism licenses give you unrestricted access to its phone and email database*, integrations, and Chrome extension.
• The cost of Cognism’s subscription depends on the data type you need. Talk to the sales team to see which license is right for you.

💡 Watch the Compy Advantage video case study below 👇 

2. Kaspr

Kaspr is a prospecting tool that finds contact data while you prospect on LinkedIn. The Chrome Extension eliminates time-wasting with quality European data, while the dashboard helps you manage your saved leads.

Kaspr is great for smaller businesses and individual contributors, like sales reps, who need access to contact data such as mobile numbers and email addresses.

👉 See the main differences between Cognism and Kaspr.

Key features

• Access to 120M+ European contacts.
• Data is checked and verified in real-time against 120 sources.
• Chrome Extension that works across LinkedIn and Sales Navigator.
• Outreach features in-platform like diallers.
• Direct dials so you can reach decision-makers right away.

Pricing

• Tiered pricing across three plans: Starter, Business and Organization.
• Test out the data with a free plan with credits before committing.

3. Cience

Cience is one of the fastest-growing and top-rated lead-generation companies. It offers managed services for lead generation, which are great for startups and companies without sales teams.

The company allows you to interact with buyers and monitor your leads through a proprietary platform. 

Key features

• Demographic, firmographic, and technographic data.
• Building and maintaining CRM.
• Multi-channel outbound campaign launches.

Pricing

• Highly customisable based on the scope of the project.
• Schedule a meeting to get a quote.

Tip! If you’re a start-up or in the SaaS industry, check out unique lead-generation strategies for tech companies.

4. Belkins

Belkins carries out lead generation services in various industries, including healthcare, construction, and e-learning. It offers lead research with over 10 prospecting tools and email nurturing campaigns.

It works with SMBs and startups struggling to connect consistently with prospective clients. 

Key features

• Deliverability team (sales development representatives and account managers).
• B2B appointment setting.
• Copywriting services to enhance your campaigns.

Pricing

• Request a quote after a consultation.

💡 Tip: Are you looking for free leads? Check out this list!

5. Callbox

This lead gen company for small businesses provides a comprehensive lead management and automation platform to enterprises and scaling businesses.

Callbox uses a global B2B database to build target lists. It also provides telemarketing scripts and email templates for direct outreach campaigns, such as webinar promotions.

Key features

• An account-based multi-channel marketing approach.
• Lead nurturing tools and smart calling to qualify leads.
• Partnered with HubSpot to facilitate handing off qualified leads.

Pricing

• Book a meeting for a custom price.

6. RocketReach

RocketReach is one of the top lead gen companies that helps IT businesses and startups in sales, recruiting, and marketing. It has a global database of emails and direct dials to enhance lead scoring.

You can also use their extension to discover leads on sites like Google, AngelList, or Crunchbase.

Key features

• Bulk lookups to fill in missing data points.
• API to integrate contacts directly into your app.
• Email analytics to fine-tune conversations and track performance.

Pricing

• Three individual plans start from £384 annually.
• Individual and team plans based on the number of seats you need.

7. Operatix

Operatix is a global powerhouse in sales development and pipeline generation, with a presence spanning three continents.

This lead generation marketing company empowers B2B organisations worldwide to achieve their growth targets through tailored sales development services.

Key features

• Specialises in working with B2B SaaS vendors.
• A comprehensive account-based, multi-touchpoint approach.
• Focus on C-Level outbound activities with tailored messaging for each client.
• Other services include marketing, sales recruitment channel recruitment and activation.

Pricing

• Variable due to the high level of personalisation for each client.

8. LeadGeneration

LeadGeneration (WebiMax) agency offers services of lead gen specialists who build B2B marketing campaigns for you on multiple channels.

You get a dedicated project manager to help you identify your ideal customer profile and produce better-quality leads.

Key features

• Integrations with HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, Salesforce, and more.
• Exclusive lead lists and lead replacement policy.
• Combination of inbound and outbound lead generation methods.

Pricing

• Request a quote after a free consultation.

9. Martal Group

This B2B lead generation company consists of 100+ sales executives and has four curated databases with 100 million contacts.

It specialises in generating leads for B2B technology companies in the IT, SaaS, and telecom industries.

Key features

• Weekly customised lists of pre-qualified leads and marketing campaigns.
• A dedicated management team that monitors intent data.
• Customer onboarding flow for new customers.

Pricing

• Flat fee per month after the 3-month Pilot Campaign.
• To get a quote, speak to the sales team.

10. Smith.ai

This company provides 24/7 sales lead generation services for SMBs.

Smith.ai combines the power of AI technology and North-America based receptionists to capture and convert prospective clients.

Key features

• 24/7 handling of phone calls, live chats, Facebook messages, and SMS.
• Lead screening and intake form competition.
• Appointment setting.

Pricing

• Option to pick between AI-first and Human-first packages.
• The sign-up process has four steps to check out.

11. Cleverly

This is a LinkedIn lead generation agency focused on social media advertising and LinkedIn marketing.

Its services include website design, copywriting, and conversion rate optimisation.

Key features

• LinkedIn contact lists and cold outreach sequences.
• Recruitment services, e.g. candidate list building, A/B tested copywriting.
• Dashboard with key metrics and Zapier integration.

Pricing

• Lead generation plans are offered on three different tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
• Each package includes different features like A/B testing or direct CRM integration.

Tip! Before you sign up with any of the lead gen companies, check out the best strategies to generate leads.

12. LinkedIn Sales Navigator

LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a lead generation platform that helps salespeople and recruiters find their next ideal prospect. It’s often used to determine who’s in a specific seat at a company so that the user can begin outreach.

Sales Nav is often paired with another lead gen tool like Cognism or Kaspr to get direct contact details for these specific people.

Key features

• Build lists of prospects you’d like to reach out to with advanced search filters.
• Real-time updates: get immediate alerts about job changes and other important sales triggers.
• Use InMail messaging to contact people on your list.

Pricing

• Sales Navigator has three tiers: Core, Advanced and Advanced Plus. 

Smaller teams may find Sales Navigator too expensive; here’s some advice on determining whether It’s worth it for your team.

13. Leadium

Leadium is a lead generation service that uses a multi-channel approach. Its experienced team will provide strategy, data, technology and the people you need to book more meetings.

Its aim is to reduce the human resources you need and your customer acquisition cost (CAC).

Key features

• Outbound appointment setting and inbound lead management.
• Channel optimised lead research.
• Multi-channel engagement.

Pricing

• Packages personalised to your needs.
• Request a consultation by asking a few questions on the form on their pricing page.

Lead generation companies comparison table

What are lead generation companies?

Lead generation companies collect consumer and B2B data and sell it to businesses looking to buy new leads. They use different methods to segment and categorise the data to ensure buyers get relevant contacts.  

B2B lead generation companies and software solutions get their leads from various sources through a combination of AI-enabled research and dedicated sales development reps. The best companies aim to deliver qualified sales leads.

Some large lead generation companies offer comprehensive services, such as:

• Building B2B contact databases.
• Database management.
• CRM integration.
• Account-based management.
• Personalised marketing campaigns.
• Sales enablement software for your sales team.
• Scheduling appointments.

Look for a company that can tailor services to your needs or specialise in your niche. 

So, are lead gen companies worth it?

Lead gen companies are worth it when you receive qualified or targeted lead generation data with a real potential to convert.

Look for lead gen companies that offer at least prequalifying services to ensure high-quality sales data.

Pricing models for lead generation services

There are different pricing models depending on whether you decide to proceed with a lead generation agency, software, or (not recommended) buy a list.

Pay-per-lead vs. monthly retainer

Some lead gen agencies charge clients a monthly subscription fee (a retainer) for using their services or software, while others charge per lead.

The price per lead depends on the lead’s ‘warmth’ and varies depending on the industry. Healthcare and insurance leads are thought to be the most expensive.

Cold leads may be as cheap as $0.15, while hot leads can cost up to $100. Like most things in life, you get what you paid for. So, if you go for the cheapest options, you won’t see much return on your investment.  

There are two more, less obvious factors influencing lead companies’ prices.

Some lead list companies send out contacts to multiple parties, which “dilutes” their value. You will only get a fraction of leads in your total TAM on other occasions. That’s when your chosen leads agency offers exclusive lists of targeted leads and serves other businesses in your niche.

Flat fee vs. commission-based

You may also encounter pricing models that operate using flat-fee or commission-based rates.

Flat fees involve predetermined levels (similar to a retainer), whereas commission-based charges percentages based on how much the agency or service sells for you.

The commission-based model can sometimes see B2B businesses using lead gen agencies charged a lot for booked meetings, with potential risks including hidden costs.

How to choose a good lead generation company

Whether you’re searching for lead generation companies for small businesses or enterprises, you need to consider the same finer details.

The checklist below will help you evaluate lead services and ensure you get the best deal.

The best B2B lead generation companies won’t mind discussing them.

1. Data compliance

Accurate sales data should be our top priority when using lead generation companies.

Otherwise, you’ll be wasting valuable time and resources trying to connect with people uninterested in your product or service. You won’t be able to fill in the sales pipeline with irrelevant leads and hit revenue goals. 

Tip! Check out the video below that answers all your questions about B2B lead generation companies providing data. 

2. Data source

Make sure the lead generation agency you hire sources leads in a compliant way.

The likelihood of lead conversion is higher if leads agree to provide their contact details. You can ask the agency where their leads come from and how often their contact database is refreshed.

Outdated information might not be correct even if it was provided voluntarily.

3. Data relevancy

Make sure that the data provided by the lead gen companies is usable.

The obtained data has to serve your purpose (or purposes), which means it has to be easily manipulated.

For example, does the company provide filtering and segmentation options for the data? If not, you won’t be able to reach your ideal customers. 

4. CRM integrations

Check if your lead generation vendor can bridge the gap with your sales and marketing teams by providing smooth integration with your company’s CRM.

It helps you monitor transfer and manage generated data. 

5. Sales triggers tracking

Does the company you’re considering analyse sales triggers to increase the chances of conversion?

The top B2B lead generation services analyse prospects’ activity and performance, like hiring new executives or receiving funding, to find new business opportunities for you.

6. Data coverage

Double-check if the lead gen companies you’re considering can deliver leads globally. Even if you’re focusing your sales strategy on one location at the moment, it can change in time.

Make sure that the company you choose can scale as you grow.

7. Local regulations compliance 

Fines for breaching data compliance laws or not taking proper care of contacts’ information can be hefty.

So make sure the online lead generation company is registered with international and national regulators and addresses consent requirements.

Tip! Find how to generate leads in a compliant way using B2B data.

8. Services’ flexibility

Most lead-generating companies offer a broad scope of services, from website development to lead nurturing and appointment scheduling.

Check with the company to see if they can tailor the offer to your go-to-market strategy. It’s best to book a meeting with the SDR team to discuss your needs.

9. Pricing

Once a company provides you with a personalised solution, make sure the pricing is adjusted accordingly. Check if it is competitive and provides real value.

For example, some online lead generation services resell lead lists to different clients or ask you to pay for invalid leads. 

Tip! Learn more about the cost of lead generation and how to calculate cost per lead. Make sure you’re not overpaying for leads and check which campaigns are most cost-effective.

10. The ownership of generated leads

Some B2B lead gen companies only rent their contact databases to you. It means you lose access to leads after the rental period.

So, if you’re thinking about building a sustainable sales pipeline in the long term, choose a solution without an expiration date. 

11. Support for in-house teams

Finally, evaluate your in-house resources.

If you already have a sales team, consider how you can use a lead generation firm to support their work. Sometimes, all you need to do is to provide the right sales intelligence.

With tools like Cognism, your team can better optimise the revenue operations process and gain time for nurturing active leads.