Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Ekimetrics (4.0/5) edges ahead of RTS Labs (3.8/5) overall. Ekimetrics is the better choice for marketing-led companies tying AI to measurable returns. RTS Labs is the stronger option for US firms testing one AI idea on a small budget. The right choice depends on the size of your program, your budget, and whether you want the same firm to build what it recommends.
Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Ekimetrics | RTS Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2010 |
| HQ | Paris, France | Glen Allen, USA |
| Team size | 400+ | 100+ |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | AI strategy anchored in marketing measurement and sustainability metrics | The lowest entry point reviewed here, with feasibility proofs in place of strategy decks |
| Pricing model | Project fees; rates not published | $25–$49/hr (Clutch band); fixed-scope proofs of concept |
| Min. engagement | Not disclosed | $5,000+ (Clutch) |
| Primary tech stack | Google Cloud, Azure, Python | AWS, Azure, Python |
| Industries served | Retail, Consumer goods, Luxury, Automotive, Financial services, Healthcare | Logistics, Financial services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail |
Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs: overview
Ekimetrics
Ekimetrics was founded in Paris in 2006 and has 400+ data scientists and consultants across Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, and other offices. Best known for marketing-mix measurement, it has added AI strategy and sustainability analytics, and in February 2026 it bought Actable, a customer analytics software company. Strategy engagements start from outcomes you can measure, such as marketing return or emissions. The scope is narrower than a general AI roadmap but much easier to tie to a budget line.
RTS Labs
RTS Labs is based in the Richmond, Virginia area and says it has 100+ US-based employees (per company website; independently unverifiable). It gives its founding year as 2010, while Clutch lists 2012. The firm says outright that it doesn't deliver strategy decks. Its version of strategy is a feasibility study and proof of concept with a return-on-investment check. Clutch lists $25–$49 an hour and a $5,000+ minimum, the lowest entry point of any firm reviewed here.
Services and capabilities: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Capability | Ekimetrics | RTS Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Readiness assessment | ✗ | ✓ |
| Use-case prioritization | ✓ | ✗ |
| TCO / ROI modeling | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI governance & EU AI Act | ✗ | ✗ |
| Build vs. buy advice | ✗ | ✓ |
| Audit of live AI programs | ✗ | ✗ |
| Change management | ✗ | ✗ |
| Can build what it recommends | ✓ | ✓ |
Frameworks and platforms: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Framework / platform | Ekimetrics | RTS Labs |
|---|---|---|
| EU AI Act | N/A | N/A |
| GDPR | N/A | N/A |
| NIST AI RMF | N/A | N/A |
| AWS | N/A | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Cloud | ✓ | N/A |
| Databricks | ✓ | N/A |
| Snowflake | N/A | ✓ |
Pricing comparison: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Criterion | Ekimetrics | RTS Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not disclosed | $5,000+ (Clutch) |
| Engagement models | Strategy & roadmap engagement, Delivery team, Ongoing advisory | Readiness assessment, Delivery team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Minimum disclosed |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Accessible |
Target audience comparison: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Dimension | Ekimetrics | RTS Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Retail, Consumer goods, Luxury | Logistics, Financial services, Healthcare |
| Best use cases | Measuring and reallocating marketing spend with AI models., Sustainability reporting and emissions analytics. | Testing one AI idea with a proof of concept before funding it., Logistics and supply-chain models for mid-size US companies. |
| Typical project type | Strategy & roadmap engagement | Readiness assessment |
Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs: pros and cons
| Ekimetrics | |
|---|---|
| + | Ties each AI use case to a number finance already tracks |
| + | Marketing-mix and customer analytics experience going back to 2006 |
| + | Sustainability and emissions analytics are rare among AI strategy firms |
| + | Delivers the models as well as the plan |
| - | Narrower than a general AI strategy firm, centered on marketing and sustainability |
| - | The Actable acquisition (February 2026) is still being integrated |
| - | Little change-management practice |
| RTS Labs | |
|---|---|
| + | A $5,000+ Clutch minimum is the lowest entry point reviewed here |
| + | Proofs of concept test an idea on real data before a big commitment |
| + | Return-on-investment checks are part of the feasibility work |
| + | All-US team for clients that need domestic staff |
| - | Deliberately light on strategy, so a company-wide roadmap is outside its scope |
| - | US-only team with no European regulatory work |
| - | Founding year and headcount differ between its own site and Clutch |
Who should choose Ekimetrics?
A typical fit: measuring and reallocating marketing spend with AI models.
AI strategy anchored in marketing measurement and sustainability metrics. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Retail, Consumer goods, Luxury, Automotive, Financial services, Healthcare.
Who should choose RTS Labs?
A typical fit: testing one AI idea with a proof of concept before funding it.
The lowest entry point reviewed here, with feasibility proofs in place of strategy decks. Minimum engagement starts at $5,000+ (Clutch). Works best with clients in Logistics, Financial services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail.
Decision matrix: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| Your board wants a costed, sequenced roadmap within a quarter | Ekimetrics |
| You already run AI that is missing its targets | Neither offers a separate audit; ask for a scoped review |
| Regulators will ask how each AI system is governed | Neither lists governance work; add a specialist |
| AI will change roles and processes for many staff | Neither; plan change management separately |
| You want the strategy firm to build the result too | Both can deliver after the strategy |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: Ekimetrics (Not disclosed) vs RTS Labs ($5,000+ (Clutch)) |
| You need a large team across many countries | Ekimetrics |
Use case fit: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
| Use case | Ekimetrics fit | RTS Labs fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring and reallocating marketing spend with AI models. | Strong | Limited | Ekimetrics |
| Sustainability reporting and emissions analytics. | Strong | Limited | Ekimetrics |
| Testing one AI idea with a proof of concept before funding it. | Limited | Strong | RTS Labs |
| Logistics and supply-chain models for mid-size US companies. | Limited | Strong | RTS Labs |
Verdict: Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs
Ekimetrics (4.0/5) is the stronger overall choice for most AI Strategy Consulting projects. AI strategy anchored in marketing measurement and sustainability metrics.
RTS Labs (3.8/5) is worth a look if you need logistics and supply-chain models for mid-size US companies. If your situation matches that, RTS Labs is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Ekimetrics vs RTS Labs FAQ
Is Ekimetrics better than RTS Labs?
Ekimetrics (4.0/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Ekimetrics's strongest advantage: ties each AI use case to a number finance already tracks. RTS Labs's strongest advantage: a $5,000+ Clutch minimum is the lowest entry point reviewed here.
How do Ekimetrics and RTS Labs differ in pricing?
Ekimetrics's pricing: project fees; rates not published. RTS Labs's pricing: $25–$49/hr (Clutch band); fixed-scope proofs of concept with a minimum engagement of $5,000+ (Clutch). Any hourly bands shown come from Clutch, not a published rate card, so a scoping call is still needed for a project quote.
Which is better for enterprise: Ekimetrics or RTS Labs?
Ekimetrics is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each consultant before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between Ekimetrics and RTS Labs?
Ekimetrics's primary differentiator is: AI strategy anchored in marketing measurement and sustainability metrics. RTS Labs's primary differentiator is: the lowest entry point reviewed here, with feasibility proofs in place of strategy decks. They also differ in team size (400+ vs 100+), minimum engagement (Not disclosed vs $5,000+ (Clutch)), and primary industries served (Retail, Consumer goods vs Logistics, Financial services).
Verify all details directly with each consultant before making a decision.