PitchBook is a financial data and software company that provides information on the private equity, venture capital, and M&A markets. Over 2,000 clients use PitchBook for research, analysis, and networking. There are several key reasons why clients in the financial industry rely on PitchBook.
Comprehensive Data
PitchBook has one of the most robust databases on private market information. The database includes detailed profiles on over 500,000 companies, 2 million people, and 25,000 investors. This allows clients to conduct in-depth research on private companies, investors, funds, service providers, and people. Some of the data available includes:
- Company financials – valuation, funding history, cap tables, acquisition details, exits
- Fund profiles – size, stage, region, industry preferences, key contacts
- Investor profiles – investment criteria, portfolio companies, key contacts
- People profiles – bios, employment history, education, board seats
Having access to this comprehensive data in one platform allows clients to quickly gather intelligence on private market targets.
Powerful Analysis Tools
In addition to robust data, PitchBook also provides powerful analytical tools and visualizations to derive insights. Some key features include:
- Excel plugins – automatically pull PitchBook data into Excel for custom analysis
- Charts and graphs – visually track trends across companies, funds, sectors, regions etc.
- Screening – filter and find companies or investors based on specific criteria
- League tables – rank firms by activity, performance, fund returns etc.
- Valuation comps – identify and compare company valuations in detail
- Profiles – visualize connections between companies, people, investors
These tools allow clients to conduct analysis tailored to their specific needs and easily uncover key insights from the data.
Expert Research
In addition to providing data and analytics tools, PitchBook also produces high-quality research reports on industry trends, emerging sectors, geographic markets, and macro-economic drivers. Some key reports include:
- Annual global league tables – ranks top PE, VC, and M&A firms by activity
- Annual unicorn report – profiles largest private companies worldwide
- Emerging tech research – explores new sectors like drones, AR/VR, AI etc.
- Regional market maps – analyze Africa, SE Asia, Latin America etc.
These reports are prepared by an experienced analyst team and help clients quickly get up-to-speed on market landscapes, opportunities, and challenges.
Robust Estimates and Predictions
Leveraging its data and analytical capabilities, PitchBook also provides estimates and predictions to give clients an information edge. Examples include:
- Valuations – estimated private company valuations in the absence of publicly available information
- Exits – predicted M&A and IPO timeline for private companies
- Fundraising – anticipated new funds being raised by PE/VC firms
- Returns – projected IRRs and cash multiples for existing funds
These future-looking insights help clients assess opportunities and risks across private markets.
Competitive Intelligence
The data and tools provided by PitchBook enable clients to research competitive landscapes and make more informed strategic decisions. Some key use cases include:
- Sizing up the competition – profiling other PE/VC firms to compare activity, fund performance, specialization etc.
- Deal prospecting – identifying potential investment targets and comparable deals
- Assessing startups – researching newly formed startups and ownership structure
- Talent intelligence – researching professionals’ background before outreach
PitchBook serves as a powerful intelligence platform to outmaneuver the competition.
Industry Networking
In addition to data and tools, PitchBook also facilitates direct connections between clients through its network. Some key networking features include:
- User directory – opt-in directory to connect with other PitchBook clients
- Introduction requests – request intros to other members through PitchBook
- Search history – view profiles of members who searched you
- Targeted emails – send messages to other clients directly
- Events – sponsored PitchBook events to network live
These networking capabilities help clients forge new relationships and close deals.
Emerging Technology
PitchBook invests heavily in emerging technologies to provide clients with cutting-edge capabilities. Some examples include:
- AI – using AI to analyze market signals and generate insights
- Mobile – intuitive mobile app to access PitchBook on-the-go
- Advanced search – intelligent semantic search for easy data lookup
- Automated alerts – alerts on news, valuations, key hires, etc.
- User personalization – personalized recommendations and notifications
These innovations continuously enhance the user experience and value.
Customer Service
PitchBook also provides top-notch customer service and resources to help clients fully utilize its capabilities. These include:
- Specialized training – customized product training sessions for new users
- Ongoing education – webinars, tutorials, and events for continuous learning
- Dedicated support – chat, email, and phone access to PitchBook support team
- Account management – individual account managers to optimize usage
- Upgrades – easy add-on data packs, tools, and seat expandability
The customer service ensures clients can maximize their productivity with PitchBook.
Trusted Brand
As one of the first movers in private market data, PitchBook has built trust through its expertise, data rigor, and client service. Key achievements include:
- Founded in 2007, 15 years of private market expertise
- Over 2,000 clients across the financial industry
- Relied on by 100% of the top 50 PE firms
- 94% client retention rate demonstrating long-term trust
- Received numerous awards and recognition as an industry leader
This brand equity allows PitchBook to attract top-tier clients.
Integration with Internal Systems
PitchBook provides flexible API and spreadsheet integrations that allow clients to incorporate PitchBook data into their internal platforms and workflows. Examples include:
- CRM systems like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics etc.
- Research management systems like Black Diamond, PAM, Altvia etc.
- Portfolio management systems
- proprietary dashboards and visualizations
- Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for workflows
These integrations enable PitchBook data to flow seamlessly between systems providing convenience.
Conclusion
In summary, PitchBook has become the leading provider of private market intelligence due to the breadth of its data, innovative analytical capabilities, future-looking insights, competitive intelligence, networking, emerging technology, customer service, trusted brand, and system integrations. There is no comparable substitute for PitchBook’s capabilities in researching private companies, funds, investors, people, competitive landscapes, industry trends, and predicting future outcomes. The platform provides indispensable support across private equity, venture capital, M&A, market research, business development, and portfolio management functions.
