Top Expert Networks for Private Equity: Why Apex Stands Out

4 Min Read

When evaluating an investment, private equity firms have long relied on traditional expert network firms to connect them with professionals with the deep industry knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision. But in today’s investing environment, private equity due diligence is becoming increasingly dynamic. It’s no longer just about sector knowledge and revenue models. ESG, cyber security, and talent due diligence are just a few additional angles investors must understand when evaluating a deal. That’s why Apex Leaders has emerged as one of the best expert networks for private equity due diligence.

Given the evolution of due diligence, let’s explore the benefits and challenges of using general expert networks versus a top expert network that focuses on private equity, like Apex Leaders, for your industry intelligence needs. And what makes Apex Leaders stand out as one of the best expert networks.

What is an expert network?

An expert network is a company that sources professionals with specialized knowledge and then connects them with you to make a more informed investment decision.

Traditional expert network firms have a database of advisors in various industries and roles. When looking for expertise on a particular investment angle, you provide a basic list of criteria such as years of experience, education, job title and other relevant descriptors to the expert network firm. Then the firm uses this criterion to search their database to find professionals that match your requirements.

Generally, you’re matched up with a list of approximately 10 professionals. From there, it is up to you to research and evaluate the best advisors to engage.

How do the best expert networks help you make better PE deals?

If you know the exact expertise you need, many firms in the expert network industry offer a fast, effective, and reliable way to connect with experts for informed investment decisions.

Traditional expert networks have large, extensive databases. As a result, they can provide you with a list of potential advisors within a few hours. That same day, you can talk with an advisor who can give you the crucial insights needed to decide whether to pursue or pass on a deal.

Apex Leaders is not like other expert network firms. Rather than pulling from a static list, Apex builds your network from scratch with precision-fit advisors aligned to your exact diligence needs.

Are general expert networks enough for private equity deals?

In short? No. While a general expert network can quickly connect you with professionals who meet your criteria, you still need to vet the potential advisors. And challenges can arise when you are unsure of the exact requirements or none of the potential advisors is a great fit. This will cost you valuable time evaluating experts and the investment life cycle.

Another consideration is the increasing complexity of due diligence we mentioned previously. If you are running on five angles, you are now developing five expertise criteria lists and are evaluating approximately 50 potential advisors, again costing you valuable time.

Apex Leaders is a top expert network that takes a consultative and holistic approach—we go beyond the expectations of a traditional expert network. With every project, our process starts with a comprehensive intake call where your dedicated project lead will dive into your goals and investment angles. With your strategic objectives and diligence angles as the guide, our team conducts angle-specific research and custom recruits and personally interviews potential advisors.

What are the benefits of working with a top expert network like Apex Leaders?

1. Apex Leaders does not have a static network.

The Apex team does not merely rely on experts we already have; Rather, we go out and cut fresh research to find who you need. Through project-specific research and custom recruiting, Apex Leaders PE expert network can connect clients with executives and private equity advisors specifically vetted to answer your most pressing questions. Apex’s clients gain a competitive edge by talking to experts their competitors aren’t.

2. Apex Leaders support doesn’t end after advisor introduction. 

As a top expert network for private equity, our team will follow up to understand if you have gained the insights needed to invest in a deal or walk away with confidence, or if a pivot must be made based on findings from your expert network calls. Their team will iterate to provide the precise-fit advisors to navigate the new angle if different expertise is needed.

3. Apex Leaders works to grow your network

Traditional expert network services charge you per call and take an expert out of their network. Among the top expert networks, Apex stands out for its custom recruiting model. After the introduction, Apex gives you ungated access to your advisors so you can grow and leverage your network to steer your firm based on your unique needs. And as you well know, having the right people in your network is essential to success.

Find your Precise-Fit Partner

Ready to go beyond the traditional and gain your competitive advantage with a precise-fit expert advisor network? Work with one of the top expert network firms trusted by private equity leaders today. Contact us to discover why we’re considered among the best expert networks for strategic due diligence.