Steward vs Vanta
Which Compliance AI tool is better in 2026?
Steward
AI-first AML platform for complex investor onboarding
Vanta
Agentic trust and compliance automation platform
Side-by-side
Vanta leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($504M) and a lower entry price than Steward.
| Metric | Steward | Vanta |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI-first AML platform for complex investor onboarding | Agentic trust and compliance automation platform |
| Foundedi | 2024 | 2018🏆 |
| HQi | New York, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 501-1000🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 62 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $5M | $504M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Mar 2026 | Series D · Jul 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | $4.2B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free trial | Free trial |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Steward and Vanta.
| Capability | Steward | Vanta |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Steward
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Vanta
- Has raised more capital ($504M vs $5M)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 62)
- More mature (2018)
Which should you choose?
Choose Vanta if price matters most — it starts at Free trial, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Compliance tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Vanta if you want the most established option — it has raised $504M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
💸 Deals
Vanta YC discount — 20% off + free SOC 2 prep
Y Combinator companies get 20% off Vanta plus a free SOC 2 prep workshop — fast-track your first compliance audit.
Terms: Active YC company only.
Frequently asked questions
Steward vs Vanta — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Steward is the leaner option; Vanta is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Steward cheaper than Vanta?
No — Vanta's cheapest paid plan is Free trial, while Steward's is Free trial.
Do Steward and Vanta offer free plans?
Steward: Free trial only. Vanta: Free trial only.
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