Agency Comparison

CIENCE vs Stellar Digital

CIENCE built a hybrid platform-agency model with proprietary technology. Stellar Digital builds custom outbound systems using best-in-class tools you already understand. Here's what that difference means in practice.

CIENCE

Data and technology platform hybrid with proprietary GO products, shifting from agency to SaaS.

Stellar Digital

Pure agency execution — no proprietary platforms, no locked-in stack, custom-built systems you own.

Feature comparison

FeatureCIENCEStellar Digital
Business modelShifting to SaaS platform (GO products)Pure execution agency, no platform agenda
Pricing$3,500 – $10,000/mo$2,000 – $6,000/mo
Data ownershipProprietary data layer — you rely on their platformAll data exports to your systems on day one
Stack flexibilityOptimized for CIENCE GO ecosystemIntegrates with Instantly, Apollo, Clay, HubSpot, etc.
TransparencyBlack-box platform metricsOpen reporting — you see every number
Data enrichment at scaleStrong proprietary enrichment databaseWaterfall enrichment across Apollo, Prospeo, and others
PersonalizationTemplate-based sequences on GO platformAI-assisted custom icebreakers per prospect
Contract flexibilityAnnual or 6-month terms commonMonth-to-month after setup
Setup speed3–6 weeks2–3 weeks to first campaign

When CIENCE is the right call

  • You want a platform product — dashboards, data enrichment, and outreach in one tool
  • You need enterprise-grade data at scale and are willing to pay for CIENCE's proprietary database
  • Your org is large enough to negotiate annual contracts and has dedicated ops staff to manage the platform
  • You want a single vendor for both data and execution

When Stellar Digital is the right call

  • You want custom-built systems that aren't locked into a vendor's roadmap
  • You need hands-on campaign management, not a platform to log into
  • You want transparent reporting with full data access from day one
  • Your stack is already established and you need integration, not replacement
  • You want to pay for results, not a SaaS subscription on top of execution fees

What actually sets Stellar Digital apart

No platform lock-in

CIENCE has been building its GO product suite to capture more of your stack. That means over time, your data, campaigns, and reporting all live inside their platform — and switching becomes painful. Stellar Digital intentionally uses open tools: Instantly for sequencing, Apollo or Clay for data, and your existing CRM. Nothing proprietary to untangle.

Transparent data, always

With CIENCE, enrichment data flows through their proprietary database. With Stellar Digital, every contact record, enrichment source, and campaign result is exported to your CRM or Supabase database in real time. You always have full access.

Custom systems vs. platform templates

CIENCE's GO platform is built for scale and standardization — the same template approach for every client. Stellar Digital builds custom workflows per engagement: bespoke ICP filters, custom scoring logic, personalized outreach sequences that reflect your specific market.

Pricing model clarity

CIENCE's pricing often bundles platform fees with execution fees, making it hard to know what you're actually paying for. Stellar Digital charges a flat retainer for setup and campaign management — no platform license, no hidden per-seat fees.

See if Stellar Digital is the right fit

30 minutes. We map out the right outbound approach for your ICP — no pitch, just the plan.

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Frequently asked questions

What are CIENCE's GO products?

CIENCE GO is a suite of SaaS tools including GO Data (B2B database), GO Digital (display ad targeting), GO Show (intent data), and GO Flow (automation). They represent CIENCE's shift from pure agency to platform company. Useful if you want a single vendor, but adds platform lock-in and higher total cost.

How does CIENCE's data compare to Apollo or Clay?

CIENCE's proprietary database is strong, particularly for enterprise contacts. However, waterfall enrichment across Apollo, Prospeo, and Hunter often achieves higher coverage for SMB and mid-market targets at lower cost — which is Stellar Digital's approach.

Is CIENCE still an agency or is it now a platform?

CIENCE is actively transitioning toward a platform model with its GO product suite. You can still buy managed services, but the push toward their technology stack means you're increasingly paying for SaaS alongside execution.

What tools does Stellar Digital use instead of CIENCE's platform?

Stellar Digital uses best-in-class open tools: Instantly or Smartlead for email sequencing, Apollo or Clay for data enrichment, LinkedIn Sales Navigator for prospecting, and the client's existing CRM for contact management. All data stays in tools you control.

Ready to build your outbound system?

Most clients see first qualified replies within 2 weeks of launch. Book a free audit to see what that looks like for your market.

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