Why Private Equity Firms Choose Apex Leaders

Within the expert network industry, GLG is one of the largest networks, but scale can be a trade-off for specificity. Firms often choose a more curated approach when they require deeply vetted advisors with niche expertise that a volume-based model may overlook.

– Your Network vs.Theirs: With GLG, you’re primarily leasing access to their network for individual expert calls. With Apex, every advisor we introduce becomes a direct, lasting part of your firm’s network. You own the relationship, eliminating future access fees.

– Database vs. Fresh Insights: While GLG has a vast network, it often relies on an existing database to source advisors. Apex takes a different approach, conducting fresh, bespoke research for every project. This ensures the advisors we find are precisely tailored to your diligence angles, providing actionable competitive intelligence that builds conviction, versus generalized advice from frequently-used experts. 
 
– Credit Model vs. Platform Fee Model: GLG’s credit-based system can lead to unused credits and less flexible spending. With Apex, you pay a monthly retainer for all-you-can-eat access to our core services. Platform fees are only charged when you win a deal, tying our success to yours.

While AlphaSights is known for speed and efficiency, many private equity due diligence projects demand more than transactional speed. The Apex model is built on delivering deep, bespoke expert insights through carefully cultivated, lasting advisor partnerships.

– Speed-to-Connect vs. Tailored Research: AlphaSights’ rapid connections are a trade-off for diligence-specific insights. Apex prioritizes custom outreach for every engagement, ensuring every expert insight is specifically tailored to your deal—not pulled from a pre-existing pool.

– Transactional Calls vs. Partnership Approach: With AlphaSights, you often get one-off expert network calls. At Apex, we focus on building long-term “River Guide” partnerships—seasoned operators who integrate with your team throughout the investment lifecycle and beyond.

– New Engagements vs. Post-Close Value: AlphaSights may charge you extra for post-close work, costing you more. With Apex, your portfolio companies can leverage our retainer services at no additional cost, giving you a key advantage after the deal closes.

Third Bridge offers broad qualitative insights, particularly through their library of transcripts. This contrasts with Apex’s focus on facilitating direct, one-on-one engagements tailored to a client’s most critical diligence questions.

– Research vs. Relationship: Third Bridge facilitates interviews, but the advisor relationship remains primarily with them. With Apex, you own the relationship with every advisor introduced, building your firm’s proprietary network.

– Passive Content vs. Active Partnership Third Bridge focuses on a content library of transcripts and reports that are broad by design, offering general market perspectives. Apex provides active partners who provide proprietary, real-time expert insights and act as an extension of your deal team. 

– Static Library vs. Real-Time Conversations: Third Bridge’s “Forum” provides access to a library of interviews. With Apex, you get real-time, face-to-face conversations with relevant experts. This allows you to tailor the discussion to your unique needs–asking specific questions, digging deeper, and getting the answers you need.

Guidepoint focuses on providing quick access to a broad network for generic inquiries. For more strategic initiatives, firms often seek a partner, like Apex, dedicated to building and maintaining deep relationships, ensuring a higher level of relevance and value over time.

– Broad Focus vs. PE Focus: Guidepoint serves clients in various industries, but Apex is exclusively focused on private equity. This deep specialization means our vetting processes and advisor recommendations are precisely tuned to the nuances of PE diligence and value creation.

– Access vs Ownership: Guidepoint provides one-off access to its network of experts. Apex helps you build your own network of relevant experts. We provide ungated, long-term access to advisors without “out-of-network” fees.

– Volume-Driven vs. Relationship-Driven: Guidepoint’s scale and broad client base can lead to a volume-driven approach, where clients are often tiered and prioritized by annual call volume. Apex’s model is relationship-driven– providing dedicated, consistent, and personalized support.