---
ref: tool:outreach/create-prospect
name: Create a prospect
company: company:outreach
workflows: []
access: [mcp, api]
tags: [capability:manage-crm, category:sales-engagement, has:api, has:mcp]
docs: https://developers.outreach.io/api/reference/prospect/paths/~1prospects/post
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Create a prospect

Creates a prospect, the person record Outreach sequences and tasks act on, from a name, emails, title and company, and returns its id.

Note: Required and custom fields differ between orgs: over MCP, list them with `input_fields_fetch` before you create.

## 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": { "outreach": { "url": "https://api.outreach.io/mcp" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `prospect_create`.

Server URL: https://api.outreach.io/mcp

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://api.outreach.io/api/v2
- Endpoint: `POST /prospects`
- Auth: an OAuth access token, sent as `Authorization: Bearer <token>`
- Docs: https://developers.outreach.io/api/getting-started

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.