Probayes vs DEPT: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Probayes (4.1/5) edges ahead of DEPT (4.0/5) overall. Probayes is the better choice for Automotive, defense, finance — Bayesian modeling expertise. DEPT is the stronger option for large brands, ML-driven marketing personalization at scale. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Probayes vs DEPT: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Probayes | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 | 2015 |
| HQ | Montbonnot-Saint-Martin (Grenoble), France | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Team size | 51–200 | 1000+ |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Over two decades of specialization in Bayesian AI and predictive analytics, predating the current ML and AI boom | Proprietary AI marketing platform, Ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list |
| Pricing model | Retainer, fixed project | Retainer, dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | $25K | $75K |
| Primary tech stack | Python, R, Bayesian modeling frameworks | Python, GCP, AWS |
| Industries served | Automotive, Defense, Financial Services, Healthcare | Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce |
Probayes vs DEPT: overview
Probayes
Probayes, based in Montbonnot-Saint-Martin near Grenoble, France, is a private AI and data science company founded in 2003. With around 86 employees, Probayes specializes in Bayesian modeling, predictive analysis, and optimization for the automotive, defense, finance, and health sectors, making it one of the longest continuously operating AI-focused firms in this list.
DEPT
DEPT, founded in Amsterdam in 2015, has grown into a global digital agency with over 4,000 digital specialists across more than 30 offices on five continents, backed by the Carlyle Group. DEPT's AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, and its Engineering practice deliver machine learning-driven personalization, growth, and data engineering work for major brands including Google, TikTok, and eBay. As a large, private-equity-backed marketing and engineering agency, ML and AI here sits within a much broader full-service offering rather than being the firm's sole focus.
Services and capabilities: Probayes vs DEPT
| Capability | Probayes | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| ML model development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Computer vision | ✗ | ✗ |
| NLP | ✗ | ✗ |
| Generative AI / LLM integration | ✗ | ✓ |
| MLOps | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI strategy consulting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Staff augmentation | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: Probayes vs DEPT
| Framework / platform | Probayes | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| TensorFlow | N/A | ✓ |
| PyTorch | N/A | N/A |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | N/A |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: Probayes vs DEPT
| Criterion | Probayes | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | $25K | $75K |
| Engagement models | Retainer, Fixed project | Retainer, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Minimum disclosed | Minimum disclosed |
| Price tier | Accessible | Accessible |
Target audience comparison: Probayes vs DEPT
| Dimension | Probayes | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Automotive, Defense, Financial Services | Retail, Media, Enterprise |
| Best use cases | Predictive maintenance modeling for automotive systems, Bayesian risk modeling for finance or defense applications | ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale, Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform |
| Typical project type | Retainer | Retainer |
Probayes vs DEPT: pros and cons
| Probayes | |
|---|---|
| + | Over two decades of operating history since founding in 2003, one of the longest-running AI specialists on this list |
| + | Deep, rigorous expertise in Bayesian modeling and predictive optimization rather than trend-driven AI positioning |
| + | Established presence in demanding regulated sectors like defense and automotive |
| + | Located in the Grenoble tech corridor, a recognized French deep-tech hub |
| - | Bayesian and predictive-analytics specialization is narrower than firms covering the full modern generative AI stack |
| - | Smaller regional presence in the Grenoble area versus Paris- or Amsterdam-based firms with broader visibility |
| DEPT | |
|---|---|
| + | Global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list |
| + | Proprietary AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, with proven enterprise brand clients |
| + | Carlyle Group backing provides financial stability for very large, long-term programmes |
| + | Named clients include Google, TikTok, KFC, and eBay, indicating enterprise-grade delivery capacity |
| - | ML and AI sits within a much broader marketing and full-service digital agency offering, not a dedicated ML practice |
| - | High minimum engagement size, inaccessible for startups or small businesses |
| - | Enterprise agency structure means less specialized, boutique-style ML research depth |
Who should choose Probayes?
A typical fit: predictive maintenance modeling for automotive systems.
Over two decades of specialization in Bayesian AI and predictive analytics, predating the current ML and AI boom. Minimum engagement starts at $25K. Works best with clients in Automotive, Defense, Financial Services, Healthcare.
Who should choose DEPT?
A typical fit: ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale.
Proprietary AI marketing platform, Ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. Minimum engagement starts at $75K. Works best with clients in Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce.
Decision matrix: Probayes vs DEPT
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Probayes |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | DEPT |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Probayes |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Probayes |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Probayes |
Use case fit: Probayes vs DEPT
| Use case | Probayes fit | DEPT fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predictive maintenance modeling for automotive systems | Strong | Limited | Probayes |
| Bayesian risk modeling for finance or defense applications | Strong | Limited | Probayes |
| ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale | Limited | Strong | DEPT |
| Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform | Limited | Strong | DEPT |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: Probayes vs DEPT
Probayes (4.1/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Machine Learning Development projects. Over two decades of specialization in Bayesian AI and predictive analytics, predating the current ML and AI boom.
DEPT (4.0/5) is worth a look if you need enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform. If your situation matches that, DEPT is a competitive option.
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Probayes vs DEPT FAQ
Is Probayes better than DEPT?
Probayes (4.1/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Probayes's strongest advantage: over two decades of operating history since founding in 2003, one of the longest-running AI specialists on this list. DEPT's strongest advantage: global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list.
How do Probayes and DEPT differ in pricing?
Probayes uses retainer, fixed project pricing with a minimum engagement of $25K. DEPT uses retainer, dedicated team pricing with a minimum engagement of $75K. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: Probayes or DEPT?
Probayes 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 Probayes and DEPT?
Probayes's primary differentiator is: over two decades of specialization in Bayesian AI and predictive analytics, predating the current ML and AI boom. DEPT's primary differentiator is: proprietary AI marketing platform, Ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. They also differ in team size (51–200 vs 1000+), minimum engagement ($25K vs $75K), and primary industries served (Automotive, Defense vs Retail, Media).