After leaving the Journal in 2009, he cofounded a research and business intelligence firm, SNS Global, which then ceased operations in 2010. He subsequently formed Fusion GPS, another business intelligence firm that exists today. Fusion GPS was contracted during the American presidential election to do investigative work into Donald Trump. They were first hired to do so by a Republican candidate and later hired by another client, allegedly a Democratic candidate. Glenn Simpson subsequently contracted ex MI6 agent Christopher Steele to do research into Donald Trump's relationship with Russia.