---
ref: tool:hunter/search-companies
name: Search companies
company: company:hunter
workflows: [workflow:icp-account-qualification]
access: [mcp, api]
tags: [capability:find-prospects, category:data-provider, has:api, has:mcp]
docs: https://hunter.io/api-documentation/v2#discover
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# Search companies

Returns up to 100 companies that match a plain-language description or filters such as headquarters location, industry, headcount and company type, at no credit cost.

Note: Returns no contacts: list each company's people with a domain search. `technology`, `year_founded`, `similar_to` and paging with `offset` need a Premium plan.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

```json
{ "mcpServers": { "hunter": { "url": "https://mcp.hunter.io/mcp" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `Find-Companies`.

Server URL: https://mcp.hunter.io/mcp

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://api.hunter.io/v2
- Endpoint: `POST /discover`
- Auth: send the header `X-API-Key: $HUNTER_API_KEY`
- Get a key: https://hunter.io/api-keys
- Docs: https://hunter.io/api-documentation/v2

Before anything else, confirm access with the cheapest read-only call, like a list or a search. Never send or change anything to test access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data, and say how many records it touches. One approval covers a batch the user has seen.
- Never print API keys.