WeAreBrain vs element61: full comparison for 2026
Last updated: July 2026
Quick verdict
WeAreBrain (4.3/5) edges ahead of element61 (4.1/5) overall. WeAreBrain is the better choice for startups and scale-ups wanting AI-native product development combined with broader software modernization, not just an isolated ML model.. element61 is the stronger option for belgian and Benelux enterprises wanting a long-established analytics and performance-management consultancy that has built out a dedicated data science and AI practice.. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
WeAreBrain vs element61: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | WeAreBrain | element61 |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2007 |
| HQ | Netherlands (internationally distributed team) | Brussels, Belgium |
| Team size | 60+ | ~145 consultants (98.7 FTE per latest filings) |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Best for | Startups and scale-ups wanting AI-native product development combined with broader software modernization, not just an isolated ML model. | Belgian and Benelux enterprises wanting a long-established analytics and performance-management consultancy that has built out a dedicated data science and AI practice. |
| Pricing model | Dedicated team, fixed project | Consulting retainer, project-based |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | Python, AI product tooling, Shopify/SAP Commerce Cloud integrations | Python, BI/analytics platforms, Microsoft Azure |
| Industries served | Transport & Logistics, Healthcare, EdTech, Retail/E-commerce | Cross-industry Benelux enterprise |
WeAreBrain vs element61: overview
WeAreBrain
WeAreBrain is a Netherlands-headquartered AI-native product studio founded in 2015, combining AI product development with software modernization, e-commerce integrations, and automation services. It describes itself as 'a winning team, not an agency,' with a 60+ person, 13-nationality team and an average client tenure of 3.8 years, alongside an NPS score above 80 (per company website). Named clients include SidelineSwap and clevergig, which was acquired by Visma.
element61
element61 is a Brussels, Belgium analytics, performance management, and AI consultancy founded in 2007, with 145+ consultants averaging 9 years of experience each (98.7 FTE per latest financial filings). It layered data science and AI onto an already-mature BI and performance-management practice, and became the first Belgian partner for Microsoft's 'Analytics on Azure' Advanced Specialization. It primarily serves Belgian and Benelux enterprise clients.
Services and capabilities: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Capability | WeAreBrain | element61 |
|---|---|---|
| ML Development | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Consulting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Computer Vision | ✗ | ✗ |
| NLP | ✗ | ✗ |
| Generative AI | ✓ | ✗ |
| MLOps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Data Engineering | ✗ | ✓ |
| Staff Augmentation | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Framework / platform | WeAreBrain | element61 |
|---|---|---|
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| AWS | N/A | N/A |
| Microsoft Azure | N/A | ✓ |
| Google Cloud | N/A | N/A |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
| PyTorch | N/A | N/A |
| LangChain | N/A | N/A |
| Databricks | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Criterion | WeAreBrain | element61 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project | Consulting retainer, Fixed project |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Enterprise / mid-market | Enterprise / mid-market |
Target audience comparison: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Dimension | WeAreBrain | element61 |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Transport & Logistics, Healthcare, EdTech | Cross-industry Benelux enterprise |
| Best use cases | AI-native product MVP development, E-commerce AI personalization | Combined BI and AI enterprise programs, Azure-based analytics and ML platform builds |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Consulting retainer |
WeAreBrain vs element61: pros and cons
| WeAreBrain | |
|---|---|
| + | 80+ NPS and 3.8-year average client tenure signal strong retention (per company website) |
| + | 13-nationality team supports multilingual, multi-market European delivery |
| + | Combines AI-native product development with broader software modernization services |
| + | Founded 2015 with a decade of continuous operation |
| - | Broader software, e-commerce, and automation service lines mean ML is one of several offerings, not the sole focus |
| - | 60+ team size is modest relative to enterprise-scale competitors on this list |
| - | Notable named clients (SidelineSwap, clevergig) are smaller-profile than some competitors' enterprise logos |
| element61 | |
|---|---|
| + | Founded 2007 — one of the longest-running firms on this list, with over 15 years of continuous operation |
| + | 145+ consultants averaging 9 years of analytics and AI experience each (per company website) |
| + | First Belgian partner for Microsoft's 'Analytics on Azure' Advanced Specialization |
| + | Combined BI, data science, and AI practice under one roof simplifies vendor management for Benelux buyers |
| - | Originated as a BI and performance-management consultancy, so AI/ML is a newer practice layered onto an older core business rather than the founding focus |
| - | Belgium-centric market presence may mean less experience outside Benelux client norms |
| - | Pricing and minimum engagement are not published |
Who should choose WeAreBrain?
WeAreBrain is the right choice for startups and scale-ups wanting AI-native product development combined with broader software modernization, not just an isolated ML model..
Frames itself around culture and retention — 'a winning team, not an agency' — with a long average client tenure as central to its pitch alongside technical delivery.. Minimum engagement starts at Not published. Works best with clients in Transport & Logistics, Healthcare, EdTech, Retail/E-commerce.
Who should choose element61?
element61 is the right choice for belgian and Benelux enterprises wanting a long-established analytics and performance-management consultancy that has built out a dedicated data science and AI practice..
Started as an analytics and performance-management consultancy in 2007 and layered data science and AI on top of an already-mature BI practice, combining both under one roof.. Minimum engagement starts at Not published. Works best with clients in Cross-industry Benelux enterprise.
Decision matrix: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | WeAreBrain |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | WeAreBrain |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: WeAreBrain (Not published) vs element61 (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | WeAreBrain |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | WeAreBrain |
Use case fit: WeAreBrain vs element61
| Use case | WeAreBrain fit | element61 fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-native product MVP development | Strong | Limited | WeAreBrain |
| E-commerce AI personalization | Strong | Limited | WeAreBrain |
| Combined BI and AI enterprise programs | Limited | Strong | element61 |
| Azure-based analytics and ML platform builds | Limited | Strong | element61 |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: WeAreBrain vs element61
WeAreBrain (4.3/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Machine Learning Development projects. Frames itself around culture and retention — 'a winning team, not an agency' — with a long average client tenure as central to its pitch alongside technical delivery.. It is best for startups and scale-ups wanting AI-native product development combined with broader software modernization, not just an isolated ML model..
element61 (4.1/5) is the better choice when belgian and Benelux enterprises wanting a long-established analytics and performance-management consultancy that has built out a dedicated data science and AI practice.. If your situation matches those criteria, element61 is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
WeAreBrain vs element61 FAQ
Is WeAreBrain better than element61?
WeAreBrain (4.3/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. WeAreBrain is better for startups and scale-ups wanting AI-native product development combined with broader software modernization, not just an isolated ML model.. element61 is better for belgian and Benelux enterprises wanting a long-established analytics and performance-management consultancy that has built out a dedicated data science and AI practice..
How do WeAreBrain and element61 differ in pricing?
WeAreBrain uses dedicated team, fixed project pricing with a minimum engagement of Not published. element61 uses consulting retainer, project-based pricing with a minimum engagement of Not published. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: WeAreBrain or element61?
element61 is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between WeAreBrain and element61?
WeAreBrain's primary differentiator is: frames itself around culture and retention — 'a winning team, not an agency' — with a long average client tenure as central to its pitch alongside technical delivery.. element61's primary differentiator is: started as an analytics and performance-management consultancy in 2007 and layered data science and ai on top of an already-mature bi practice, combining both under one roof.. They also differ in team size (60+ vs ~145 consultants (98.7 FTE per latest filings)), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Transport & Logistics, Healthcare vs Cross-industry Benelux enterprise).
Last reviewed: July 2026. Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.