In today’s fast-moving innovation landscape, it’s not always what you know—it’s what you can find before anyone else does. Whether it’s a stealth-mode startup, unpublished technology, or a quiet supplier with a game-changing solution, surfacing the right insights early can be the difference between a breakthrough and a missed opportunity.
At yet2, we specialize in finding what others can’t. With deep domain expertise, investigative research skills, and a powerful global network, we uncover critical data—even when it’s not publicly available or intentionally obscured.
Hard-to-Find, High-Impact: 7 Real Examples
The true test of any research partner isn’t what they promise—it’s what they deliver when the data doesn’t want to be found. Whether it’s a stealth-mode startup, an obscure software vendor, or details buried in digital breadcrumbs, yet2 consistently uncovers the insights that help clients make critical decisions with confidence.
Here are just a few examples of how our team has gone beyond conventional methods to surface hidden innovation opportunities:
1. Identifying a Stealth Software Maker (Consumer Goods)
A global packaging team needed access to a printing software used by a third party. yet2 surfaced the software creator—after others had failed—by using investigative outreach and unpublished data. Within seven days, we enabled anonymous direct licensing conversations, saving the client time and money.
2. Surfacing a Stealth Startup Through Network Insight
During an unrelated interview, one of our team members picked up on a casually mentioned stealth-mode company. It wasn’t findable via databases—but we followed the thread and brought it to the client. Proof that sometimes the most valuable data lives in human conversation.
3. NASA: Hidden Healthtech Player Found
NASA needed wearable health monitoring devices. One promising international company didn’t show up in PitchBook or typical searches. yet2 identified it through language-specific keyword mapping and deep category understanding.
4. Climate Tech Company with Limited Digital Footprint
A startup had gone to great lengths to stay invisible. Using coded industry terms and deep research intuition, we uncovered them on PitchBook under non-traditional tags. We knew what others missed—and found a high-potential technology in the process!
5. Who Built the Pharma DTC Platforms?
A client wanted to understand who their peer companies partnered with to launch novel telehealth portals. We traced the platforms through job descriptions, alumni LinkedIn profiles, and design elements, then confirmed the partners behind the scenes. The intel sparked new partnership ideas.
6. Estimating R&D Center Size with Satellite Views
A client needed headcount data for global R&D sites. We cross-referenced LinkedIn profiles with Google Maps parking lot views—and delivered credible estimates that informed M&A strategy.
7. Digital Device Partnership Sleuthing (Competitor Intel)
Our client wanted to know who at a competitor had led a major digital health initiative. By analyzing ten years of LinkedIn posts, team tags, and archived press releases, we tracked down the person who initiated the research and the internal champions involved.
Surfacing What Others Miss
What sets yet2 apart isn’t just access to databases or research tools. According to our clients, it’s our doggedness—a unique mix of strategic inquiry, trust-building, and creative sleuthing that consistently unlocks valuable, hard-to-find information.
- We collect real-world data direct from solution providers to help you make more informed decisions.
- We leverage our cross-industry experience to bring new solutions you had previously not considered and continuously iterate our approach based on market data.
- We rigorously measure our success by the number of deals we do for our clients and continually strive to deliver impact beyond simply scouting.
These 3 themes, combined with our global network and technical subject matter, and open innovation expertise, are what set us apart.
Here’s how we do it:
- Expert Probing & Domain Knowledge
Our senior project leads bring deep industry experience, knowing exactly what to ask—and what to look for—when others hit a wall. - Access to Non-Published Information
Through carefully guided conversations, we build trust and gather non-confidential but unpublished data that helps clients make faster, smarter decisions. - Investigative Research Tactics
From tracking LinkedIn histories to virtually visiting facilities, we get creative to fill in the blanks. - Anonymous Benchmarking
We assess stealth players and competitive technologies without compromising client confidentiality. - Network-Activated Discovery
Insights often emerge through personal conversations with innovation insiders in our global network—data no tool or AI alone could find.
Why Clients Choose yet2
What’s our secret? Technology scouting is more than Google searches and list generation. Strong scouts use the strength of their network, cross-industry experience, a powerful will, and more to find actionable solutions for their clients. We ask the smarter questions—and know when to ask them. Our approach blends rigor, creativity, and trust:
- We probe instead of just search
- We translate vague goals into clear action.
- We find patterns, gaps, and signals others overlook.
- We build trust with insiders to uncover real insight.
- We benchmark alternatives to help clients decide with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Innovation Is Hidden—Until It’s Not
In a world where competitive advantage often comes down to what you see first, yet2 gives clients the edge they need to act faster and smarter. From stealth startups to emerging tech to under-the-radar partnerships, we don’t just find answers—we uncover the right questions to ask. Need help finding what others can’t? yet2 is ready.
Words by Emily Smith
Picture by Freepik
