1. PitchBook

Features:

• Comprehensive Database: Extensive coverage of private equity firms, portfolio companies, investment transactions, and industry data.
• Advanced Search Filters: Allows users to filter by industry, geography, company size, financial metrics, and more.
• Market Analysis Tools: Offers tools for market analysis, benchmarking, and financial performance tracking.
• Customizable Dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards to monitor key metrics and trends.

Functions:

• Search and Discovery: Enables detailed searches for potential portcos based on a variety of criteria.
• Data Analysis: Provides in-depth company profiles, financial data, and historical deal information.
• Market Insights: Offers insights into market trends and competitive analysis.

Cost:

• Annual Subscription: Typically ranges from $22,000 to $28,000.
• Training and Support: Includes support and training for effective use.

DIY Approach:

• Custom Searches: Executives can perform and refine searches based on their criteria.
• Data Interpretation: Users need to analyze and interpret data themselves, which may require additional training.

Cost of Exec’s Time:

• 10 Hours/Week: $6,000 per month.
• Consideration: High cost if the executive handles extensive searches and analysis themselves.

2. CYNDX

Features:

• AI-Driven Insights: Uses artificial intelligence to recommend matches between executives and portcos.
• Predictive Analytics: Provides predictive analytics and trends to identify promising opportunities.
• Visual Analytics: Includes visual tools for analyzing investment opportunities and industry trends.
• Company Profiles: Offers detailed profiles and insights into portfolio companies.

Functions:

• Matching and Recommendations: Helps executives find portcos that match their background and expertise.
• Industry Trends: Provides insights into industry trends and market opportunities.
• Custom Alerts: Allows users to set up alerts for new opportunities and updates.

Cost:

• Annual Subscription: Typically starts around $15,000.
• Additional Services: May include additional fees for premium features.

DIY Approach:

• Automated Recommendations: Reduces the need for manual searching by providing AI-driven suggestions.
• Data Utilization: Executives can leverage the platform’s insights without extensive manual data analysis.

Cost of Exec’s Time:

• 10 Hours/Week: $6,000 per month.
• Consideration: Lower cost compared to PitchBook due to reduced manual effort.

3. D&B Hoovers

Features:

• Business Information Database: Offers extensive business information, including company profiles, industry data, and contact details.
• Industry Filters: Provides filters for industry, company size, and financial metrics.
• Contact Information: Includes contact details for key decision-makers within companies.
• Company Performance Data: Features financial performance metrics and growth indicators.

Functions:

• Lead Generation: Helps identify potential portcos and decision-makers.
• Market Analysis: Provides tools for analyzing company performance and industry trends.
• Data Extraction: Allows users to extract and export data for further analysis.

Cost:

• Annual Subscription: Typically costs $10,000 to $15,000.
• Customization: May offer options for customization and additional features at extra cost.

DIY Approach:

• Direct Searches: Executives can perform detailed searches and access company data directly.
• Manual Data Analysis: Requires manual interpretation of data and market trends.

Cost of Exec’s Time:

• 10 Hours/Week: $6,000 per month.
• Consideration: Similar to PitchBook, high cost if extensive manual analysis is required.

4. BlackmoreConnects

Features:

• Networking Platform: Focuses on connecting executives with PE firms and industry contacts.
• Curated Contacts: Provides access to a curated list of PE firms and portfolio companies.
• Relationship Management: Tools for tracking and managing interactions and networking efforts.
• Event Access: Offers access to networking events and industry conferences.

Functions:

• Networking and Connections: Facilitates connections with relevant PE firms and portcos.
• Relationship Tracking: Helps manage and track networking efforts and interactions.
• Event Participation: Provides opportunities to attend and participate in industry events.

Cost:

• Annual Membership: Typically around $2,000 to $5,000.
• Event Fees: Additional costs may apply for event participation.

DIY Approach:

• Self-Networking: Executives can leverage the platform to build connections and explore opportunities independently.
• Event Participation: Allows for direct engagement with industry contacts through events.

Cost of Exec’s Time:

• 10 Hours/Week: $6,000 per month.
• Consideration: Lower cost compared to data-heavy platforms, focusing on networking and relationship-building.

Comparison Summary

• • • PitchBook offers a comprehensive data database and in-depth market analysis but comes at a higher cost and requires significant manual effort.
    • CYNDX provides AI-driven recommendations and predictive analytics, which can reduce manual effort and cost, but may have less depth in historical data.

• • D&B Hoovers focuses on detailed business information and industry analysis, with higher costs and more manual data interpretation required.
  • BlackmoreConnects emphasizes networking and relationship-building with a lower cost and a focus on direct engagement with PE firms and industry contacts.