Introduction to Broad Search for Startups
The Broad Search feature for the Startup Portfolio acts as a global search engine tailored specifically for your active ecosystem directory. Instead of manually clicking into each individual company file to check historical data, administrators can input a key phrase to scan across every single startup's historical data stack at once.
This powerful feature queries through ongoing team message logs, completed profile updates, milestone notes, and embedded records. It allows program managers, community directors, and compliance leads to track down critical information—such as tracking which startups mention specific regulatory certifications, IP filings, or custom operational milestones—in seconds.
This advanced search feature is available for organizations on Pro bundle and Enterprise plans.
Where to Find Broad Search for Startups
Navigate to the Startups module in the left sidebar menu and select Startup Portfolio. The Broad Search activation tool lives nested inside the main filter and lookup bar directly above your company database list.
Step-by-Step
1. Open the Startup Portfolio
Click on Startups in the top navigation menu to open your active ecosystem list.
2. Click the Broad Search Toggle
Locate the query bar at the top of the interface and click the Broad Search icon (🔍➕) located on the right border of the text box.
3. Input Your Search Target
From the Startup Portfolio, Broad Search lets you explore your entire portfolio in one search. It looks through:
- Messages and notes
- Profile forms (Startup Custom Fields
4. Browse the Compiled Matches
Review the consolidated results display, which lists matching items grouped by profile forms, historical message strings, and internal note entries.
5. Access the Profile Source
Select the specific matching snippet line to immediately load that particular startup's profile page directly at the relevant tab location.
Best Practices
Refine with Portfolio Filters: Combine your Broad Search with existing top-level portfolio filters (like industry tags, cohort years, or assigned mentors) to pinpoint information within a subset of companies.
Audit Compliance Terms Regularly: Use targeted keyword sweeps (e.g., "patent status," "insurance," "incorporation error") to quickly audit regulatory steps across your entire investment pipeline.
Extract Text from Historical Logs: Use this tool to easily find old conversation threads or tracking updates from previous program team members that would otherwise remain hidden inside buried text fields.