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free customer segmentation software for startups

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools to analyze user behavior, personalize experiences, and drive revenue—without a single credit card charge.

Explore more in our Digital Assets category. Whether you are looking to organize digital resources for online educators or create digital assets for e-commerce, understanding your audience is the first step.
For advanced analytics and data visualization, consider checking out resources at DigiPure, which offers comprehensive guides on digital transformation.

If you are already managing your own course materials, remember that segmentation is the bridge between having content and delivering it to the right person.

Why Startups Need Segmentation (Even on a Budget)


💡 Pro Tip

In the early stages of your business, you don't need to know every single detail about your customer. You only need to identify three core segments: High-Value Users (who buy often), At-Risk Churners (those who haven't bought in 30 days), and New Leads (visitors with high intent). Focusing on these groups yields the highest ROI.

In the competitive landscape of modern business, "one-size-fits-all" marketing is a recipe for mediocrity. Customer segmentation—the practice of dividing your audience into subgroups based on shared characteristics—is not just a luxury; it's a survival mechanism for startups with limited budgets.

When you lack the capital to hire a dedicated data analyst or purchase enterprise-level CRM software, free customer segmentation tools become your most valuable asset. These platforms allow you to slice and dice raw data into actionable insights without draining your runway. By understanding who your users are, where they come from, and what drives their behavior, you can tailor messaging that converts cold traffic into loyal advocates.

🔑 Key Insight

The cost of acquiring a new customer is often five times the revenue they generate in their first year. Segmentation helps you identify which acquisition channels bring customers with higher lifetime value (LTV), allowing you to optimize your marketing spend before it's too late.

The Top 5 Free Customer Segmentation Tools in 2024


Selecting the right tool depends entirely on where your data lives. Is it embedded within a website? Stored in an email marketing platform, or managed through social media ads?

Mixpanel Logo

Mixpanel

3.5

Mixpanel is a leading product analytics platform that offers robust free tiers for startups, allowing you to track user behavior and create complex segments based on events.

  • Unlimited users in the Free Plan
  • 5,000 events per month (generous for testing)
  • Real-time dashboards and cohort analysis
Google Ads Logo

Google Ads (Custom Audiences)

2.5

If your traffic is driven by search or display ads, Google's native segmentation tools allow you to group users based on their ad interactions without extra software.

  • Native integration with Ad Manager
  • No additional cost for basic segmentation
  • Access to Google Analytics 4 data (via GA4)
Mailchimp Logo

Mailchimp

2.5

The standard for email marketing, Mailchimp offers a free tier that includes basic segmentation capabilities based on tags and demographics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free customer segmentation software for startups?

The "best" tool depends on your specific data needs, but tools like Google Analytics (with its built-in audience segments), HubSpot CRM (free tier includes basic segmentation based on tags and properties), and Mailchimp (for email-based behavior) are top contenders for startups. These platforms offer the foundation you need to group customers by demographics or purchase history without breaking the bank.

Can I segment my audience based on behavior if I'm using free software?

Absolutely. Most entry-level segmentation tools focus heavily on behavioral data because it's the easiest to track without expensive infrastructure. For example, you can easily create segments for "users who opened an email but didn't click," or "customers who made a purchase in the last 30 days." This allows you to engage users based on their actions rather than just guessing.

Is customer segmentation software necessary for small businesses?

While you don't need it to survive, using free segmentation tools is highly recommended as your business scales. Without knowing who your customers are and what they want, marketing efforts can feel random rather than targeted. Segmentation allows you to tailor messages that resonate with specific groups, leading to higher conversion rates even on a tight budget.

How do I integrate free segmentation tools with my existing email marketing platform?

Most modern platforms offer native integrations. For instance, if you use Mailchimp or HubSpot for emails and Google Analytics for web traffic, look for the "Connect" button in their respective dashboards to sync data automatically. This ensures that when a user interacts with your website, they are instantly tagged within your email list so you can send relevant follow-ups.

Are there any hidden costs associated with free customer segmentation software?

"Free" usually comes with limits, such as a cap on the number of contacts you can store or segment. For example, HubSpot's free plan allows up to 1,000 contacts for CRM-based segmentation, while Mailchimp has similar caps. It is crucial to check these limits before committing so that your growing customer base doesn't hit a wall.

Can I use free tools for A/B testing different segmentation strategies?

Yes, many platforms allow you to create multiple segments and test which one performs better. For example, you might send a discount code to "New Users" via email while sending educational content to "Returning Visitors." By analyzing open rates and click-throughs across these groups using the free analytics features provided by Google or HubSpot, you can refine your strategy over time.

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: The Ultimate Guide to Data-Driven Growth

Discover how to unlock your startup's growth potential without breaking the bank. We analyze top-tier free segmentation tools, compare their features against paid giants, and provide a roadmap for building robust customer profiles on zero budget.

In the ecosystem of digital tools, knowing who your customers are is just as critical as organizing their data. If you need to streamline how you store and categorize this information before segmenting it, refer back to our article on organizing digital resources for online educators.

The Case for Zero-Cost Segmentation


In the high-stakes world of startup development, every dollar spent on customer acquisition must yield a measurable return. However, there is often an assumption that sophisticated data analytics and granular audience segmentation require significant capital investment in enterprise software suites like Salesforce or HubSpot Enterprise.

This belief is fundamentally flawed for early-stage ventures. The ability to segment your user base—grouping customers based on behavior, demographics, purchase history, or engagement levels—is not a luxury; it is the primary engine of retention and revenue growth. Without segmentation, you are shouting into the void, sending generic messages that fail to resonate with specific needs.

The good news? You do not need millions in your bank account to begin segmenting effectively. The modern web offers an abundance of free-tier tools capable of handling thousands of records without breaking a sweat. By leveraging these resources, startups can identify high-value users, churn risks, and product advocates before they even realize it.

💡 Pro Tip

The most common mistake founders make is waiting until they have a "perfect" dataset to start segmenting. Start with the data you already have in your email list or CRM, and use free tools to create basic segments like 'New Users' vs. 'Returning Visitors'. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

ℹ️ Did you know?

The average startup spends over $15,000 annually on customer acquisition. However, studies show that companies with segmented marketing strategies see up to a 40% increase in conversion rates compared to those using broad targeting.

Deep Dive: Top 5 Free Tools Compared


To truly understand the landscape of free customer segmentation software, we have conducted a rigorous analysis of five leading platforms. These tools range from simple spreadsheet-based solutions to robust CRM integrations that offer powerful filtering capabilities out-of-the-box.

FeatureMixpanel (Free Tier)Cisco HubSpot FreePendo (Free Trial/Community)Airtable (Free Plan)Gong.io (Limited Demo)
User LimitUp to 5,000 usersUnlimited UsersLimited Seats3 Users MaxDemo Only (No Data)
Data Storage1 Million Events/MonthUnlimited Contacts50,000 Records24GB FreeN/A
Segmentation LogicBroad (Behavioral)Advanced (CRM Fields)In-App BehaviorFlexible Custom FieldsNo Segmentation
⚠️ Warning

Beware of "Free Forever" traps. Many tools offer a generous free tier but aggressively upsell paid plans once you hit specific thresholds (e.g., number of events or API calls). Always check the fine print regarding data export capabilities before committing.

Mixpanel Logo

Mixpanel

3.5

Mixpanel is a leading product analytics platform that allows startups to track user behavior and create segments based on specific actions taken within your application.

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: The Ultimate Guide to Data-Driven Growth

Discover how to unlock your startup's growth potential without breaking the bank. We review the top free tools that turn raw data into actionable insights, helping you prioritize leads and maximize ROI.

As you navigate the complex landscape of digital asset management, remember that organizing your data is just as critical as analyzing it. For a comprehensive guide on how to structure your files and databases effectively, check out our previous post on Organizing Digital Resources for Online Educators.

To ensure your data strategy is robust and scalable, consider integrating tools that offer deep analytics. For advanced insights into digital transformation strategies, visit our partner site at DigiPure.

Why Startups Need Free Customer Segmentation Software


In the high-stakes world of startup development, time is your most valuable currency. You cannot afford to waste a single minute on manual data entry or guessing which customer segment will convert into loyal buyers. This is where effective segmentation becomes not just an operational necessity but a strategic imperative.

💡 Pro Tip

Don't treat all customers the same. A free customer segmentation software allows you to identify high-value prospects early, enabling personalized outreach that significantly boosts conversion rates compared to generic mass emails.

The concept of "free" in SaaS often carries a stigma. However, for startups operating on lean budgets, the ability to access enterprise-grade data insights without an upfront subscription fee is revolutionary. By leveraging free customer segmentation software, you can build a robust understanding of your audience's behavior, preferences, and demographics.

This capability directly feeds into broader digital asset management strategies. Just as we discussed in our article on Digital Assets Management for Online Course Creators, understanding your audience is the first step to creating assets that resonate. Without segmentation, you are shouting into a void; with it, you are having a conversation.

ℹ️ Did You Know?

The power of micro-segmentation: Startups that utilize free segmentation tools to create hyper-specific audience groups (e.g., "Users who visited pricing but didn't buy") often see a 20-30% increase in follow-up conversion rates compared to those using broad demographic data.

The 5 Best Free Customer Segmentation Software Options


Selecting the right tool is critical. Not all "free" plans are created equal, and some require you to export data manually or limit your sample size severely. Below, we break down the top contenders that offer genuine value for early-stage businesses.

1. Segmenter.io (Free Tier)

🔑 Key Insight

Built-in CRM Integration: Unlike many standalone segmentation tools, Segmenter integrates directly with your existing CRM. This means you don't need to duplicate data; the tool pulls insights from where they already live.

Segmenter.io Logo

Segmenter.io

2.0

A powerful, free tier tool that allows you to segment leads based on behavior and demographics without needing a complex setup.

  • Unlimited segmentation rules in the free plan
  • Direct integration with HubSpot and Salesforce (Free tiers available)
  • Real-time data updates for dynamic segmentation

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools to analyze your audience, personalize experiences, and drive revenue—without a single credit card swipe.

Why Customer Segmentation is Non-Negotiable


In the high-stakes world of startup growth, treating every customer as if they are identical to everyone else is a recipe for stagnation. Without effective segmentation, you risk wasting marketing budgets on cold leads and missing out on upselling opportunities with your most loyal users. This article dives deep into how free tools can solve this critical problem without requiring significant capital investment.
ℹ️ Did you know

Startups that implement basic customer segmentation strategies typically see a conversion rate increase of up to 20% compared to those who do not.

To truly understand your market, you need data. But raw data is useless without context. That's where segmentation comes in—it divides your broad audience into sub-groups based on shared characteristics like demographics, behavior, or purchase history. For a startup operating with lean resources, the ability to segment customers for free isn't just an advantage; it's a survival mechanism that allows you to compete with well-funded giants who rely on expensive enterprise software suites.
💡 Pro Tip

Don't wait for your revenue to hit six figures before starting. The best time to segment was yesterday; the second-best time is now, using free tiers of industry-leading platforms.

The Best 5 Free Customer Segmentation Software Options


Finding the right tool is about balancing features with flexibility. Below are five top-tier options that offer robust segmentation capabilities within their free tiers, allowing you to build a data-driven strategy immediately.
Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics

3.5

The industry standard for web analytics, offering free access to audience data and basic segmentation based on demographics and interests.

  • Unlimited real-time reports
  • Audience segmentation by device, location, and interests
HubSpot Logo

HubSpot CRM

2.5

A powerful CRM that offers free unlimited contacts and basic segmentation tools for sales teams.

  • Unlimited contact storage
  • Basic property-based segmentation (e.g., "Lead Source")

Pros and Cons: Is the Free Version Enough?


Before committing to a specific tool, it is crucial to weigh the benefits against the limitations. While "free" sounds attractive, every tier has boundaries that can impact your ability to scale effectively. Understanding these trade-offs will help you make an informed decision for your startup's digital asset strategy.
⚠️ Warning

Beware of "hidden" costs in free tiers, such as data export limitations or lack of API access which can hinder advanced segmentation analysis.

Comparison Overview

Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics

Score: 8.5/10

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: The Ultimate Guide to Data-Driven Growth

Discover how to unlock your startup's growth potential without breaking the bank. We review the top free tools that turn raw data into actionable insights, helping you prioritize leads and maximize ROI.

As you navigate the complex landscape of digital asset management, remember that organizing your data is just as critical as creating it. For a deeper dive into how to structure these assets effectively without overwhelming your team, check out our guide on Organizing Digital Resources for Online Educators.

To ensure your segmentation strategy is robust and scalable, consider aligning your data hygiene practices with the principles of comprehensive digital asset management. For advanced strategies on maintaining high-quality datasets that power accurate segmentation models, visit our Tier 1 authority partner at DigiPure.

Why Startups Need Free Customer Segmentation Software


In the high-stakes world of startup growth, time is your most valuable currency. You cannot afford to waste a single minute on leads that are unlikely to convert or churn customers who aren't ready for what you have to offer. This is where customer segmentation becomes not just an analytical exercise, but a survival mechanism.

The AIDA formula—Attention, Interest, Desire, Action—is the backbone of effective marketing, yet it relies entirely on data. Without knowing exactly *who* your audience is and what stage they are in their buyer's journey, you are essentially shouting into the void. Free customer segmentation software bridges this gap by allowing you to slice and dice your user base based on behavior, demographics, purchase history, or engagement levels.

💡 Pro Tip

You don't need a massive budget to start segmenting. The most powerful segmentation often comes from free tools that aggregate data you already have, such as email open rates and website visit frequency.

The Top 5 Free Customer Segmentation Software Reviews


Selecting the right tool is critical. While many platforms offer robust features, their "free tiers" often come with limitations that can hinder your growth if not understood.

Ahrefs Logo

Ahrefs (Free Tier)

2.0

Ahrefs is primarily an SEO tool, but its free tier offers a unique angle for segmentation by identifying content gaps and keyword opportunities that can be targeted to specific user personas.

  • Keyword Difficulty Analysis
  • Content Gap Finder (Limited)
  • Backlink Explorer for Competitor Research
Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics (GA4)

Score: 8.5/10

Google Analytics (GA4) is the undisputed king of free segmentation software for startups because it requires no credit card and integrates seamlessly with your existing Google ecosystem. Its "Segments" feature allows you to create custom audiences based on user behavior, such as users who visited a specific page but didn't purchase.

✓ Pros

  • No credit card required for basic usage.
  • Real-time data processing allows immediate segmentation adjustments.
  • Deep integration with Google Ads and Mailchimp.

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools to analyze your audience, personalize experiences, and drive revenue—without a single credit card swipe.

Why Customer Segmentation is Critical for Early-Stage Growth


In the high-stakes world of startup development, time and capital are your most precious currencies. Yet, many founders find themselves drowning in data while starving for insights—collecting thousands of customer interactions but failing to understand who they actually serve. This is where effective segmentation becomes not just a marketing tactic, but a survival mechanism.

💡 Pro Tip

Don't wait for growth to segment your audience. Start tracking behaviors and demographics from Day One. The data you collect now will be the foundation of your personalization strategy later on, saving months of re-engineering efforts down the line.

Customer segmentation is the practice of dividing a broad group of buyers into subgroups within which members share similar needs, characteristics, or behaviors. For startups operating with lean budgets, this isn't about creating complex personas for every single user; it's about identifying the "high-value" segments that drive retention and revenue so you can tailor your messaging to them.

ℹ️ Did you know

The cost of customer acquisition is skyrocketing. According to recent industry reports, the average CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) has increased by over 20% in just two years. Without segmentation, startups are often paying for leads that never convert because they aren't speaking directly to their specific pain points.

This is where free customer segmentation software steps onto the stage as a hero. You don't need enterprise-level budgets or proprietary data lakes to begin analyzing your audience effectively. By leveraging open-source tools and freemium models, you can build a robust understanding of your market without draining your runway.

⚠️ Warning

Avoid "Analysis Paralysis." The temptation to use the most advanced tool available is real. However, for a startup, complexity often equals friction. Stick to tools that offer intuitive dashboards and require minimal setup time so you can focus on execution.

The Top 5 Free Customer Segmentation Software Options


Selecting the right tool is a balancing act between functionality, ease of use, and cost. While many platforms offer robust paid tiers, several have entered the market with generous free plans that are surprisingly capable for early-stage businesses.

Google Analytics 4 Logo

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

8.0

The industry standard for web analytics, GA4 offers powerful segmentation capabilities out of the box without any cost to you.

  • Real-time data processing and cross-device tracking
  • Built-in audience segmentation based on behavior, demographics, or custom events
  • Unlimited free users with no data retention limits for standard plans
HubSpot Free CRM Logo

HubSpot Free CRM

8.5

If your business relies heavily on email marketing and sales pipelines, HubSpot's free tier provides excellent segmentation for contact lists.

  • Segment contacts based on tags, properties, or custom fields
  • Integrated email marketing tools for targeted campaigns
  • Limited to 5GB database storage (usually sufficient for startups)

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools and free tiers of premium platforms to build robust customer personas, map buyer journeys, and drive targeted marketing campaigns—all while keeping your burn rate at $0.

Just as mastering the organization of your digital library is crucial for an online educator, understanding who your students are can make or break a course creator's revenue model.

Whether you are looking to streamline your workflow like in digital assets management for online course creators or generate new revenue streams through products, knowing your audience is the first step.

Similarly, if you are trying to create digital assets for e-commerce, segmentation helps ensure those assets appeal to the right people at the right time.

The Hidden Cost of Guessing Who Your Customers Are


In the high-stakes world of startup growth, time is your most valuable currency. When you launch a new product or an online course, every day spent guessing who will buy from you is a day lost to potential revenue.

⚠️ Warning

Failing to segment your audience early can lead to "spray and pray" marketing campaigns that waste ad spend, result in low conversion rates, and ultimately drain the limited cash reserves of a bootstrapped startup.

Customer segmentation is not just for enterprise giants with millions in data. For startups operating on lean budgets, it is an essential survival mechanism. It allows you to move from being a generic vendor to a targeted partner who understands specific pain points and desires.

Imagine running two separate email campaigns: one targeting "busy parents" looking for quick productivity tips, and another targeting "corporate executives" seeking strategic leadership frameworks. Without segmentation, your marketing budget is split fifty-fifty on irrelevant content, leading to poor engagement metrics across the board.

5 Best Free Customer Segmentation Software Options (2026)


The landscape of free customer segmentation software is crowded, but the top contenders offer robust features that scale with your needs. Below are five platforms currently dominating the startup ecosystem for their generous free tiers.

Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics (GA4)

3.5

The industry standard for web analytics, GA4 offers powerful segmentation capabilities based on user behavior, device type, and location without any cost.

  • Unlimited data collection for standard plans
  • Advanced segmentation reports (Demographics, Interests)
  • Real-time user journey tracking
HubSpot Logo

HubSpot CRM

4.0

The free CRM tier provides unlimited contacts and basic segmentation tools, making it ideal for startups managing their initial lead lists.

  • Unlimited contact storage
  • Basic segmentation by status, company size, and industry
  • Free email marketing integration (limited volume)

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools to analyze your audience, personalize experiences, and drive revenue—without a single credit card swipe.

Why Segmentation Matters for Startups (The AIDA Hook)


Awareness: In the crowded digital marketplace, treating every customer as if they are identical is a recipe for stagnation. Your audience isn't one monolithic group; it's a mosaic of distinct psychographics and behaviors.

Interest: Without segmentation, you're shouting into the void with generic marketing messages that fail to resonate, wasting your budget on leads who aren't ready to buy or care about what you offer. You are missing opportunities to tailor content specifically for those most likely to convert.

ℹ️ Did you know

A study by Salesforce revealed that companies with segmented marketing strategies generate 10x more revenue than their non-segmented counterparts. For a startup, this isn't just data; it's the difference between surviving and thriving.

Desire: Imagine sending an email campaign where you know exactly who is interested in your premium digital assets versus those looking for free resources. You can nurture them differently, increasing engagement by up to 40% without spending a dime on enterprise software subscriptions.

💡 Pro Tip

You don't need millions in revenue to start segmenting. You only need data and the right free tools, which is exactly why we are compiling this ultimate guide on free customer segmentation software for startups.

Action: In this comprehensive article, you will explore five powerful zero-cost platforms that can transform your raw user data into actionable insights. We'll walk through how to apply these tools specifically within the context of digital asset creation and online course management.

Top 5 Free Customer Segmentation Tools Compared


Selecting the right tool is critical. Not all "free" tools are created equal, and some require significant setup time that can be better spent analyzing data you already have.

Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics (GA4)

3.5

The industry standard for web traffic analysis, GA4 offers robust segmentation capabilities based on user behavior and demographics without any cost.

  • Advanced Segmentation Reports
  • Real-time User Journey Tracking
  • Free for unlimited users and data volume
Mailchimp Logo

Mailchimp

2.5

Ideal for email marketers, Mailchimp allows you to segment lists based on engagement levels and purchase history within a generous free tier.

  • Audience Segmentation by Tags
  • 500 Contact Limit (Free Tier)
  • Automated Welcome Series Setup
Airtable Logo

Airtable

2.0

A flexible database that acts as a CRM, allowing you to build custom segmentation views based on your specific data needs.

  • Custom Database Views
  • Visual Data Organization
  • Free for up to 1,200 records

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to leverage zero-cost tools to analyze your audience, personalize experiences, and drive revenue—without a single credit card swipe.

Interested in managing the digital assets that power these insights? Check out our guide on digital asset management for online course creators to ensure your data is organized and accessible.

Why Customer Segmentation is Non-Negotiable for Startups


In the high-stakes world of startup growth, time and capital are your most scarce resources. You cannot afford to waste a single dollar on marketing campaigns that miss their mark or churn away customers who aren't ready to buy. This is where customer segmentation becomes not just an optional strategy, but a survival mechanism for early-stage businesses.

AIDA Formula Hook:

  • Attention: You are likely burning money on generic ads because you don't know who is actually buying.
  • Interest: Imagine targeting only the 20% of your audience that converts at a rate ten times higher than the rest. That's segmentation in action.
  • Action: By using free tools to build these profiles today, you can double your ROI before your first revenue month ends.
💡 Pro Tip

You do not need a massive budget to segment effectively. The most powerful segmentation data comes from your existing customer interactions—email opens, course completions, and support tickets.

Top 5 Free Customer Segmentation Tools (Detailed Review)


The landscape of customer segmentation software is crowded, but for startups with limited budgets, the "free tier" has evolved into a powerhouse. Below are five tools that offer robust segmentation capabilities without requiring an upfront investment.

Google Analytics Logo

Google Analytics (GA4)

3.5

The industry standard for web analytics, GA4 offers free access to audience building based on behavior (e.g., "Users who visited in the last 28 days"). It is essential but requires some technical know-how.

  • Unlimited data collection
  • Built-in audience segmentation (Demographics, Interests)
  • Free integration with Google Ads for retargeting
For deeper insights into data privacy and analytics, visit the authority site at DigiPure.
🔑 Key Insight

The biggest advantage of Google Analytics is its ability to segment users based on "Life Cycle Stage" (New, Returning, Loyal) automatically without manual tagging.

HubSpot CRM Logo

HubSpot Free CRM

2.5

If you are selling courses or services, HubSpot is the king of free segmentation because it tracks "deal stages" and company size automatically.

  • Automatic lead scoring
  • ☺ Icon ✓ Company size and industry segmentation
  • Free email marketing integration for lists
Managing your leads effectively is crucial when you are also creating digital assets for e-commerce. Use HubSpot to track which asset types convert best.
🎯 Expert Tip

In HubSpot, create a custom property called "Engagement Score" and tag users based on their email open rates. This allows you to segment your list into "Highly Engaged" vs. "Cold Leads."

free customer segmentation software for startups

Free Customer Segmentation Software for Startups: Unlock Growth Without Breaking the Bank Discover how to leverage ze...