About Clutch
To put it simply, we identify leading software and professional services firms that deliver results for their clients. We do this through an innovative research process that melds the best of traditional B2B research and newer consumer review services. Our research helps start-ups, mid-market, and large enterprises find partners that meet their needs, whether for a one-off project or a long-term relationship.
Our Story
Clutch was created to solve an important, two-sided problem. How do buyers of professional services and software find the best companies to meet a specific need? And conversely, how do leading services and software firms stand out from the sea of mediocre competitors?
As a buyer with a large budget, one option is to hire an expensive research firm to identify even more expensive, monolithic providers. But what if you wanted to work with leading specialists at more nimble, focused companies or had a limited budget?
Clutch was born in 2012 to help solve this problem. Our founders had firsthand experience as both buyers and sellers of services and software and knew there must be a better way. We looked to both the large, traditional IT research firms and more innovative consumer review sites for inspiration and developed a new approach that included the best of both worlds.
We tested our new methodology on the mobile app development market and, after a few twists and turns along the way, have become recognized as the go-to resource for buyers and sellers of app development services. With this success under our belts, we are expanding into other technology, marketing, and business consulting segments and have researched and reviewed 500+ companies covering 50+ markets.
Clutch Definition
Clutch \ˈkləch\ :
1. (v.) to grasp or hold tightly;
2. (n.) a small handbag;
3. (n.) a car part used to shift gears;
4. (adj.) performing well under pressure or in a critical situation; essential to success <a clutch player>;
5. (n.) the crucial moment: <in the clutch>
Our Team
Managing Partner
Mike Beares
Mike is the Founder of Clutch. Prior to Clutch, Mike led a team of solution managers in the consulting and systems integration unit of Unisys Corporation. Earlier in his career, Mike worked in management consulting advising both Fortune 500 companies and smaller startups.
Mike's academic background includes an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and a BS from Columbia University. When not thinking about the next move for Clutch, Mike can be seen chasing his two energetic kids around playgrounds in Washington D.C.
Research Manager
Timothy Clarke
Tim is a Research Manager at Clutch responsible for research and analysis in several areas. Prior to Clutch, Tim worked in various business and research roles in the United States and China.
Tim's academic background includes a Global MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in History with a minor in Spanish from University of Richmond. When Tim isn't researching the latest IT trends, he enjoys brushing up on Mandarin and playing basketball. Tim grew up in Maryland but has lived and studied in five countries.
Principal Analyst
Joshua Margolin
Josh is a principal analyst at Clutch responsible for research production, business development, and content quality assurance.
Joshua received his BA in Business Communications from the University of New Hampshire, and his MA in Technological Development from Georgetown University. He spends his spare time exercising, reading, writing, playing XB1, exploring museums, and volunteering.
Senior Marketing Manager
Natalie Craigmile
Natalie is the Marketing Manager at Clutch. Before joining Clutch, Natalie worked for a rapidly growing educational organization based in Singapore. Earlier, she interned with Westinghouse-Beijing, where she contributed to their nuclear power division's public relations and communications efforts.
Natalie grew up in Loudoun County, VA, and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia with a BA in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Economics. She enjoys camping, yoga, horseback riding, and browsing greeting cards.
Business Manager
Ryan Stevens
Ryan is a Business Manager at Clutch. Before joining Clutch, Ryan worked in corporate finance for a large American bank. Earlier, he interned for an internet search engine in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where he enjoyed learning about the many intricacies of building a business in a foreign company.
Ryan grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Finance and Management. He enjoys exploring new countries, staying active, and touring breweries.
Design Lead
Amanda Soderlund
As the Design Lead, Amanda is always looking for ways to improve the UX of Clutch's website. She works on product strategy, designs new features/experiences, and manages projects with the development team.
Amanda attended Georgetown University where she studied both International Relations and Art/Visual Design. In her time away from Clutch she loves to travel, ski in the mountains of the Northwest, play with her dogs, and practice yoga.
Senior Analyst
Eleonora Israele
Eleonora is a Senior Analyst at Clutch. Prior to joining Clutch, Eleonora was a foreign language tutor and a researcher for a D.C. real estate firm.
Originally from Argentina, Eleonora grew up in Bethesda, MD. She graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in Economics and Linguistics. She enjoys spending her free time running, traveling, crocheting and rooting on FC Barcelona.
Senior Content Developer & Marketer
Sarah Patrick
Sarah is a Content Developer & Marketer at Clutch. Before joining the team, she interned with USAID in the Office of Transition Initiatives, serving as the Communications and Public Outreach Assistant. Sarah attended Georgetown University, where she studied Government/International Relations and Justice and Peace Studies.
Originally from Connecticut, Sarah studied abroad in South Africa where she discovered her love of mountains. Outside the office you can find Sarah running through DC while training for her next marathon, cooking, or listening to NPR podcasts.
Senior Product Analyst
Jeff Westling
Jeff is a Senior Product Analyst at Clutch. Prior to working at Clutch, Jeff worked in Dalian, China for two years after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Central California.
A Southern California native, Jeff grew up more in the ocean than out of it in Orange County. An avid learner of languages, Jeff takes any opportunity he can to hop on a plane and travel somewhere in the world. He spends his spare time staying active through running and practicing yoga, while always finding time to meditate.
Senior Business Analyst
Alexa Rosenstein
As a Senior Business Analyst, Alexa leads Clutch's Global Strategy team, manages the UX Agencies segment, and is involved in quality assurance efforts.
Alexa graduated from the University of Virginia's Batten School with a BA in Leadership and Public Policy. In her spare time, she enjoys live music, hiking, practicing yoga, and trying new recipes.
Content Developer & Marketer
Riley Panko
Riley is a Content Developer & Marketer at Clutch and conducts research on cloud and UX topics. She recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Media Studies. Previously, she interned with the editorial team at Uncubed, an NYC-based startup, and served as managing editor for The Pioneer, a student-run multimedia publication.
Riley grew up in Richmond, VA. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring the city, and listening to Broadway musicals on repeat.
Content Developer & Marketer
Grayson Kemper
Grayson is a Content Developer and Marketer at Clutch, where he focuses on enterprise mobility and answering services.
Grayson grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Media Studies and History. In his free time he enjoys tracking the sports media landscape, shopping for CDs of his favorite artists, and watching movies.
Business Analyst
Clayton Kenerson
Clayton is a Business Analyst at Clutch. Before starting in IT services research at Clutch, he co-founded an IT consulting firm in Charlottesville, VA. Previously, he earned a BBA in Finance and double majored in Chinese at the College of William & Mary.
Clayton enjoys running, soccer, and snowboarding and will travel whenever he has a halfway decent excuse to go abroad.
Business Analyst
Ricardo Real Preciado
Ricardo is a Business Analyst at Clutch. He graduated with a Master's in Technology Management from Georgetown University and worked as a research associate at Georgetown's Center on Education and the Workforce.
He previously served in the World Health Organization as a youth health consultant, supporting research and planning conferences on technologies to improve youth health in Latin America. He enjoys running, reading, volunteering and painting in his free time.
Business Analyst & Marketer
Jenna Seter
Jenna is a Business Analyst at Clutch with a focus on our Public Relations segment. She also contributes to the Clutch Marketing Team through issuing surveys and writing various content pieces.
Jenna is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from Boston College. She enjoys playing field hockey and soccer, and loves to draw in her free time.
Finance
Michele Condjella
Michele provides support to the Clutch team; assisting them with their Sponsors, Billing Questions, Payroll, and Finance.
Michele has enjoyed growing her career in finance and operations over the last 13 years. She loves helping growing companies achieve their goals and enjoys the challenge of balancing a fun and demanding career with the fun of life. In her free time she enjoys the beach, skiing, paddle boarding, and walking her dogs.
Business Analyst
Kimmie Champlin
Kimmie is a Business Analyst here at Clutch. She is working to develop our advertising, video production, and media buying research. She also supports the team's efforts in maintaining editorial content standards and analyst training.
Kimmie grew up in Georgia, and graduated with a degree in International Affairs from the University of Georgia. Outside of cheering on the Dawgs, she spends her free time traveling, dabbling in graphic design, and playing soccer.
Business Analyst
Ilse Heine
Ilse is a Business Analyst, focusing on Digital Marketing and SEO.
After growing up in Connecticut, she attended Vassar College. In her free time she enjoys teaching violin, taking dance classes, and attempting to cook.
Business Analyst
Michael Block
Michael is a Business Analyst and focuses on Full-Service Digital Agencies. He is also part of the Global Team that is looking to expand and strengthen Clutch's international coverage.
Michael grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Vanderbilt University. He likes dogs and playing basketball.
Business Analyst
DJ Fajana
DJ is a Business Analyst who is focusing on Web Design and Web Builder Software.
He grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated from Boston College. He is a foodie that enjoys basketball and listening to great music.
Content Developer & Marketer
Michelle Delgado
Michelle is a Content Developer and Marketer. She reports on Web Builders and manages Clutch's newsletter.
She graduated from the University of Virginia, where she studied modern literature and American Studies. In her spare time, she enjoys writing about culture, cooking vegetarian food, and listening to podcasts.
Business Analyst
Amber Dewey
Amber is a Business Analyst at Clutch and is focusing on expanding our Mobile App Development segment.
After growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Amber graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Economics and Art History and a minor in Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, playing with her dog, and exploring Charlottesville wine country.
Business Analyst
Misty Lopez
Misty is a Business Analyst at Clutch with a focus on building our new Accounting segment.
She’s originally from Dublin, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia. She enjoys farmers’ markets, watching documentaries, and buying more pastries than necessary from local bakeries.