G2

Overview

G2 is a peer-to-peer software review and market intelligence platform that helps businesses discover, review, and manage software. It aggregates authentic user reviews to assist professionals in making informed software purchasing decisions. Software vendors leverage G2 to enhance brand credibility, monitor market positioning, and target potential buyers. The platform serves millions of annual users and features hundreds of thousands of listed products.

What it does

• Collects authentic, verified peer reviews from real software users.
• Provides a transparent grid system to benchmark software market positioning.
• Offers buyer intent data and market intelligence insights for vendors.
• Features an AI-powered assistant to help users find suitable software products.

Who it's for

• Software Buyers
• IT Professionals
• Product Marketers
• Software Investors

Why it works

• Leverages user-generated content and authentic peer reviews to build trust.
• Provides data-driven G2 Grid reports positioning software based on satisfaction and market presence.
• Operates on a freemium and enterprise vendor-subscription model.
• Acts as an essential distribution and discovery channel for modern B2B SaaS companies.

Founder story

G2 was founded in 2012 by Godard Abel, Mark Myers, Tim Handorf, and Matt Gorniak in Chicago, United States. The founders set out to solve the lack of transparency in business software purchasing by creating a trusted platform driven by real user experiences rather than biased marketing materials.

Alternatives

• Capterra
• Clutch
• PeerSpot
• Software Advice

Comparison overview

• G2 relies entirely on user-generated peer reviews and data-driven grids, whereas traditional analyst firms depend heavily on subjective analyst opinions.
• G2 offers extensive real-time buyer intent data compared to legacy directories like Capterra or Software Advice.
• G2 focuses primarily on B2B software solutions, distinguishing it from broader agency marketplaces like Clutch.