Research on ROI of using Pitchbook to connect with PE firms for Board and other roles

Research on ROI of using Pitchbook to connect with PE firms for Board and other roles

Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer III 

The PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | June 11th, 2024

To help you justify the investment in a PitchBook license and BlackmoreConnects™ membership, let’s break down the key factors and benefits visually. We’ll compare the costs, benefits, and potential return on investment (ROI) of each option, along with the risks of not investing. Here’s a visual representation to aid in your decision-making process:

Investment Justification and Trade-offs

  1. PitchBook License
  • Cost: $28,000/year
  • Benefits:
      • Access to comprehensive data on PE firms and portfolio companies.
      • Tools for market research, deal sourcing, and benchmarking.
      • Streamlined outreach to target 200+ PE firms.
      • Regular updates on PE market trends and firm activities.
  • Pros:
      • Extensive database and analytics tools.
      • Direct access to detailed PE firm information.
      • Facilitates identifying and targeting the right firms.
  • Cons:
    • High cost.
    • Requires time to learn and utilize effectively.
  1. BlackmoreConnects™ Membership (Including PitchBook Access)
  • Cost: $10,000/year (with 6 conference packages)
  • Benefits:
      • Access to PitchBook data.
      • Training on PE language and interview techniques.
      • Networking opportunities with PE decision-makers.
      • Personalized 1-on-1 coaching.
      • Strategies for creating a compelling deal thesis.
      • Conferences for direct introductions to PE firms.
  • Pros:
      • Cost-effective access to PitchBook.
      • Comprehensive training and support.
      • Networking and direct introductions.
      • Ongoing coaching and personalized advice.
  • Cons:
    • Additional commitment to attend conferences.
    • Dependent on the quality of coaching and networking events.
  1. Doing It Yourself
  • Cost: Variable (mainly your time and potentially lower direct costs)
  • Benefits:
      • Flexibility to tailor your own research and networking approach.
      • Savings on subscription and membership fees.
  • Pros:
      • Lower direct financial costs.
      • Total control over your approach and strategies.
  • Cons:
    • It is time-consuming to gather data and contacts.
    • Limited access to comprehensive PE firm information.
    • There is a greater risk of missing out on key networking opportunities.
    • Potentially slower progress towards your goal.

Visual Representation

Comparison Chart

Factor

PitchBook ($28K)

BlackmoreConnects™ ($10K)

DIY Approach

Cost

High

Medium

Low

Access to Data

Extensive

Extensive

Limited

Training & Coaching

None

Extensive

None

Networking Opportunities

Limited

Extensive

Limited

Time Commitment

High (learning curve)

Medium (conferences, training)

Very High (self-research)

Success Likelihood

High

Very High

Medium

Potential Return on Investment (ROI)

Assuming a successful exit goal of $10 million:

  • PitchBook ROI Calculation:
      • Cost: $28,000/year
      • Potential Gain: $10,000,000
      • Net Gain: $9,972,000
  • BlackmoreConnects™ ROI Calculation:
      • Cost: $10,000/year
      • Potential Gain: $10,000,000
      • Net Gain: $9,990,000
  • DIY Approach ROI Calculation:
    • Cost: Minimal (mainly time)
    • Potential Gain: $10,000,000
    • Net Gain: $10,000,000 (but with potentially lower probability of success and higher time investment)

Conclusion:

Justification:

  • PitchBook offers comprehensive data and tools that can significantly increase your efficiency in targeting the right PE firms, albeit at a high cost.
  • BlackmoreConnects™ provides a more holistic approach, combining data access, training, and networking at a lower cost, which can enhance your likelihood of success.
  • The DIY Approach offers flexibility and lower costs but comes with higher risks and time investment.

Given your goal of a $10M exit and the need to overcome common pitfalls in landing a PE role, investing in BlackmoreConnects™ seems the most balanced approach. It provides you with essential resources and support while being more cost-effective than a standalone PitchBook license.

Considerations:

  • Economic Downturn: Ensure that the chosen investment (BlackmoreConnects™) offers robust support during economic uncertainties. Networking and training can help mitigate risks by adapting strategies to current market conditions.

In summary, BlackmoreConnects™ stands out as the most viable option to maximize your chances of a successful exit while providing essential tools and support at a reasonable cost.

For more detailed insights on how to effectively navigate the job market as a C-suite executive and leverage opportunities through Blackmore

BMP Logo connected

Email Us