<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM IMPROVENET
INC'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 40,056
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,780
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 45,937
<PP&E> 4,747
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 53,205
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9,449
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 17
<OTHER-SE> 43,662
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 53,205
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 5,366
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,007
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 49,220
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> (45,819)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (45,819)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (45,819)
<EPS-BASIC> (3.68)
<EPS-DILUTED> (3.68)
</TABLE>