Who Uses Expert Network Companies?

4 Min Read

Expanding your portfolio to unfamiliar markets can be challenging, especially if you lack the appropriate network connections or are unfamiliar with the particulars of nuanced industries. Partnering with expert network companies is a great way to create lasting connections and partnerships in markets not yet in your portfolio. Whether you are involved in due diligence or developing an investment thesis, these advisors can provide the insights you need to get smart quickly.

Consider an expert network as your built-in guide to navigating to new sectors. In this post, we’ll define what an expert network company is, explain how it works, and determine who can benefit from these services.

What Are Expert Network Companies?

Expert network companies exist to fill in the gaps of specialized knowledge needed by a company that can’t be found within their own team.

If your firm has ever needed immediate advice from a subject matter expert or River Guide before making an investment decision, but didn’t have the expertise to close the deal confidently or wasn’t sure who to call, you could benefit from the services of an expert network. An expert network is a group of professionals who are considered to be leading experts in their respective industries who are hired as consultants to answer questions, give industry insights on market analysis, provide guidance, and help connect you to other leaders in their fields.

As noted by Forbes, expert network firms can range from global providers to specialized consulting firms serving a specific region’s industry segment or applying a different business model.Consider an expert network as an extended advisory board for your company. The professionals in this network provide their support and services to help ensure you have conviction in deal-making or breaking.

Two professionals shake hands across a desk, meeting about expert network companies and their services.

How Do Expert Networks Work?

You could contact subject matter experts on your own. However, this approach requires significant time and could lead to unanswered questions, bad advice, and overall dissatisfaction. Plus, if you need expertise quickly to make investment decisions, any delay could lead to missed opportunities.

When you work with an expert network company, you’ll gain access to seasoned advisors who are ready to help deep dive into a specific market or target. Unlike traditional expert networks, Apex provides a consultative approach and a fresh cut of research for every engagement.

Set up an initial conversation to understand your investing need
Custom-recruit and hand-pick current and former advisors who are best suited for your industry and requirements
Facilitate introductions between our advisors and your team
Stay in touch to ensure you’re getting the most from our network

Justin Fishburn, VP of Operations for Apex Leaders, says this approach is the best method for creating a well-rounded and experienced network.

“We go the extra mile for our clients. From the moment a client contacts us, we dive right into the nitty gritty of their needs to ensure we’re helping them make the best, most successful connections.”
Justin Fishburn, VP of Operations for Apex Leaders

Who Should Work with Expert Advisors?

Leaders from a variety of industries can benefit from using an expert network company. However, private equity firms can benefit the most from an expert advisor network. As a leader for your private equity firm, you know there is untapped potential in various markets, and you want to know where to invest next. But if you’re unfamiliar with some sub-sector or niche markets, it can be challenging to differentiate your firm as a preferred buyer early on and swiftly deploy capital.

This is why expert network companies are beneficial for private equity firms. They can help introduce you to seasoned experts, helping you to make quick decisions on deals you are interested in investing in.

Not only do expert advisors double as subject matter experts who are well-versed in their industry and current market trends, but they can also help you review your portfolio, determine your company’s positioning, and help identify operating partners on deals.

A group of experts from expert network companies stand and talk in a small group.

Apex Leaders, Beyond the Expert Network

Expert network companies are a great place to grow your network, gain conviction on deals, and get advice on the best growth direction for your private equity firm.

At Apex Leaders, we do more than just grant your firm access to a public database of experts. Instead, we go the extra mile for our clients and take the time to understand your firm’s needs before presenting you with expert candidates. Once we fully understand your firm’s needs and requirements, we vet each industry expert to ensure their skills and qualifications best meet your needs and present you with options.

If you’re ready to gain access to a community of experts who can assist and guide you in your investing decisions, contact us today and schedule a discovery meeting.