CrunchBase is preparing to become its own entity, according to TechCrunch, which reported Tuesday evening that the startup ecosystem database is set to raise up to $7 million as a standalone company.
CrunchBase hosts a wealth of information related to startups with more than 860,000 company and people profiles. It last reported two million visitors each month to the site.
The database was created in 2007 by TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington to track startups that his tech news website covered. AOL took over CrunchBase in 2010 when it acquired TechCrunch.
TechCrunch reported this week that AOL — which was acquired by Verizon this past June — will remain an investor in CrunchBase, though it’s unclear if or how Verizon is involved in the potential spinout.
We’ve reached out to CrunchBase and will update this story if we hear back.
