ClearStar

ClearStar

Robert Vale incorporated ClearStar's predecessor, Compass, Inc., in Alpharetta, Georgia in 1992 after two screening companies turned down the software system he proposed. The team built a thin-client screening platform, distributed it at trade shows, and by 1999 had over 40 companies running on it. ClearStar launched the industry's first browser-based screening platform and transitioned to transaction-based pricing, a model that became the industry standard within three years. The company was a founding member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). ClearStar provides background checks, drug and occupational health screenings, pre-employment screening, employee monitoring, and social media screening. Its Medical Information Services (MIS) division delivers web-based drug screening technology and wholesale MRO services; revenue from MIS grew 400% in two years. The company serves multiple sectors including aerospace & defense, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, staffing, and transportation. Its technology includes CourtMojo for automated county criminal record retrieval across 1,000+ jurisdictions, and Sphere for international records from non-sanctioned foreign countries. ClearStar has processed over 6 million screenings annually, with a first human touch within 4 hours and 95%+ service quality. The company was listed on London's AIM market (later taken private) and appeared on the Inc. 5000 list seven consecutive years. Hanover Investors Management LLP acquired ClearStar in a take-private transaction on September 16, 2020, and subsequently acquired Accutrace, Inc. in August 2021 and Employment Screening Resources (ESR) shortly after. Mike Pritts serves as CEO, with Troy Mastin appointed CFO in March 2025. ClearStar was among the first to integrate data ownership into its model — becoming both the purchaser and provider of screening data rather than simply reselling third-party data. This structure allows ClearStar to guarantee data quality and negotiate at scale, a differentiator that underpins its product development cycle.