Tools your can use to build your PE Jobs funnel or targets to acquire for your deal thesis

Tools your can use to build your PE Jobs funnel or targets to acquire for your deal thesis

Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer III 

The PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | August 13, 2024

Here’s a detailed comparison of the tools and platforms used by executives to find portfolio companies (portcos) that align with their background in private equity (PE). This analysis covers their features, functions, costs, and the DIY approach for each, including the cost of an executive’s time.

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 vs. CYNDX:
      • 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 vs. BlackmoreConnects:
    • 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.

In summary, the choice between these tools depends on the executive’s priorities. For data-driven analysis and extensive market research, PitchBook and D&B Hoovers are strong choices. For AI-driven insights and reduced manual effort, CYNDX is preferable. For networking and relationship management, BlackmoreConnects offers a more cost-effective and focused approach.

BMP Logo connected

Email Us