Market Brief: Expert Networks

Market Brief: Expert Networks
Information Media Partners
May 2020

2 Expert Networks Research Report: Information Media Partners 2020
Expert Joining In
So called ‘expert networks’ have grown
substantially over the past fifteen years; so
much so that the marketplace might be
considered fractured. While there are some
large, long-term players in the market including
GLG (Gerson Lehman Group), which defined the
segment in the early 2000s, there are now many
more recent entrants.
With the rapid development of the gig economy
there has also been a smudging of the
distinction between ‘expert networks’ and
‘consulting marketplaces’. The ‘expert network’
typically addresses short, discrete business
questions whilst the ‘consulting marketplace’
delivers longer-term, project-based
engagements. Unless full-time work prevents it,
there is no reason not to join the two types of
organization.
Both support the matchmaking aspect of
consulting by introducing specific expertise
(from the consultant) to a particular business
need (the project). When they first came on the
scene, platforms providing expert network
engagements tended to define them as brief,
telephone-based interactions which were over
and done with quickly.
That model is still relevant but, as more companies
recognize the benefits of ‘on-demand’ experts,
they are not always thinking in terms of one-hour
increments any longer.
This is good news for consultants
and business executives looking to
leverage their skills, knowledge and
expertise. I’ve participated in many
“expert” engagements over the
years and I’d like to have done
more. So, to understand this
market a little better, I undertook
this research.
It is not a complete survey but for
anyone (at least in my network)
new to this industry, it will provide useful insight
and links to some of the larger players.
Many of the expert companies – big and small –
have obvious but self-serving objectives to
unlock knowledge from around the world to help
their clients’ businesses make better decisions.
But individual experts can also benefit by
extending their networks, building their
reputations, and even conducting different types
of work outside their specialty while still drawing
on their skills and expertise.
If this is similar
in concept to
online
matchmaking,
perhaps I need
to make my
profile a little
racier

In my own experience, several phone consults
have resulted in short market research
engagements. While many types of companies
seek advice from experts, I have found they
tend to be mainly investment banks and private
equity firms seeking specific information to
support investments under consideration.
It can be difficult to understand
the client’s context without a
relationship and I’ve sometimes
had difficulty understanding the
relevance of a client’s line of
questioning. That said, I have
always enjoyed these sessions.
Most of the firms on the
attached list are broadly
international in scope, although
some do concentrate on specific
geographic areas (such as the
Gulf states or SE Asia, for
example). And many of the larger firms cover a
broad range of industry segments, having a
large inventory of varied experts to support that
coverage.
While I have seen some fracturing in the market
there is also a lot of overlap from experts joining
multiple platforms. Signing on to additional
networks was one of my objectives and I am
sure many others have also followed the same
strategy.
Occasionally, the expansion of membership on
these expert platforms may not always be
advantageous. While it may be ‘anecdata’, right
after I joined GLG in the mid-2000s I had a
regular stream of consultations but, over time, as
GLG got bigger and bigger, my referrals waned. I
have not done a GLG consult in more than three
years.
If this business is similar in concept to online
matchmaking, perhaps I need to make my profile
a little racier.
Signing up
When a consult is undertaken, the timing is
often very precise and the client will not
ordinarily pay for any prep work. You should
take that into account when you set your rate.
Recently, one call I had was booked for 45
minutes (which is what I would have billed for);
however, the call was logged on their network
platform at 42 minutes and that’s how my bill
was calculated.
The attached list includes ‘traditional’ expert
network companies like GLG and also consulting
firms like Catalant, which features longer-term
There has also
been a
smudging of
the distinction
between
‘expert
networks’ and
‘consulting
marketplaces’

engagements and projects which can take a few
days to a few months.
If you are considering this type of work, and do
not have a full-time job, then I encourage you to
look into these networks and sign up.
About this market report:
For this report, I relied on each company’s web
presence, my own experience on the platform
and, in some cases, actually working with these
networks. I also paraphrased some of the
company’s marketing information in my
descriptions to profile the business.
This is not a comprehensive list of expert networks,
but it is representative of the primary market
participants as well as their methods of operation.
Michael Cairns
Email: michael.cairns@infomediapartners.com
Tel: 908 938 4889

Michael Cairns established Information Media
Partners in 2006 as a boutique strategy
consulting firm focused on the information and
education publishing segment. The work
conducted by the firm includes product
development, corporate development, sales
management and corporate reorganizations. We
work with established businesses, private equity
owners and potential acquirers.
Examples of our work include:
▪ Reorganized and re-focused a $25 million
software and professional services company
by aligning business operations with client
priorities; implementing internal collaboration
tools and project management standards; re-
building executive team to focus on effective
and efficient management
▪ Led vendor assessment and selection process
for large-scale back-office transformation
project with a top-tier global publishing
company
▪ Defined a new business strategy for a large
non-profit association and advocacy group,
expanding their business model into global
markets to leverage their core knowledge and
expertise across a broader market
▪ Directed an information technology
capability review at a large international
advertising holding company. Completed
over 200 interviews in 15 international
offices and multiple focus group sessions
to define the operational ‘gaps’ between
existing agency capabilities and those
necessary and important for client delivery
by region
▪ Conducted a sales management
effectiveness review for a global software
company and defined six key project
initiatives to improve sales effectiveness,
market development and account
management
We approach our client engagements in a
standardized, logical manner to create the best
environment to identify key business drivers,
administrative and logistical road blocks and product
or market definition issues. Our investigative
approach leads to better insights into your business
and supports the development of workable solutions
and recommendations for success.
Visit the Information Media Partners website for
more information.

Expert Networks: Market Research Project
Name &
Web
Address
Description of Business Offices Features
Alpha
Insights
AlphaInsights is a professional service company employing several hundred professions in
offices around the world. Operating more as a 'knowledge services company' than as an
'expert network,' they specialize in understanding the specifics of client briefs and applying
the right experts to each 10-15 minute phone engagement. Client project managers pre-
qualify every expert for each call and present background information to the client in advance
of the call. Project managers reach out to relevant experts who can address the specific
requirements of particular engagements.
San Francisco,
New York,
London,
Hamburg,
Dubai, Hong
Kong, Shanghai,
Seoul, Tokyo
Invitation-only
network.
Case studies.
AskVisory AskVisory is a 'marketplace' where experts and organizations can network and source
consulting opportunities. They provide access to 'millions' of experts and the company uses
AI to identify the right expert for each engagement. Clients have a compliance engine to help
manage compliance across companywide projects. Experts may register to join and
participate on a 'leaders’ panel' via LinkedIn.
Not specified Clunky UE
consultant
platform
“Leaders
Panel” allows
request and
accept
consulting
requests.
Atheneum Atheneum is a global expert platform and research firm connecting consulting firms,
investment houses and corporations with relevant experts. Leveraging innovative
technologies including a proprietary expert platform, the company can help their clients de-
risk business transactions, provide insight and custom research. Eight industry verticals,
5,000 sub-specialties, 70% executive experts, 450,000 experts.
Berlin, Hong
Kong, London,
New York,
Shanghai,
Lahore,
Santiago,
Munich, Seoul,
Tokyo
Very simple
process
Request bio
not full CV. No
link to LinkedIN
Global services
in 40
languages.
Business
Talent
Group
Business Talent Group (BTG) provides on-demand consulting services to a wide variety of
industries including phama, biotech, ecommerce, insurance, consumer goods, energy,
financial services, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, life science, media, entertainment,
government, private equity, retail, services, and technology. BTG is more oriented to
providing medium-to-long term assignments and projects rather than 'phone' or SME
assignments.
Los Angeles Detailed profile
including
project
citations and
work
experiences.
Newsletter.
Opportunities
on site.
Capvison Capvison provides 'knowledge services' to financial institutions, consulting firms, global
enterprises and high net worth individuals with services including expert consultations,
primary research, market surveys and on-demand meetings and conferences. Services
New York,
Shanghai,
Beijing, Hong
Kong, Munich,
General T&Cs.
Apply to join as
advisor.

include expert consultations, conference development, industry research, custom client
services. 300,000 advisors, 400+ employees,
Suzhou,
Shenzhen
Catalant Catalant is a marketplace for consulting help and support counting more than 30% of the
Fortune 100 companies as clients with project-based consulting. Catalant is on the forefront
of the trend of building agile business operating models that allow companies to scale staff
up or down depending on requirements. On the site, member consultants can scan 15 pages
of project opportunities and complete a project proposal for those where there is a fit.
Catalant takes compliance and security seriously and is the only company profiled here
which requires MFA.
Boston Lists
opportunities
on site.
Has MFA.
Clarity Clarity is an advisory and expert marketplace connecting entrepreneurs with business
advice, market research and skills development. Industries supported include SaaS, e-
commerce, education, real estate, restaurant and retail. Clients use the site to look up
experts and arrange a consultation. Experts build their profile and establish their consulting
rate.
Web based Conference
call-based
platform
matching
experts with
party.
Per-minute
fees.
Coleman Colman connects clients directly with industry experts to get answers to their most critical
questions. Colman has more than 11,000 customers at investment companies, consultancies
and corporations. Colman believes that expert experience provides a unique world view.
Consultations are by phone or in person. Compliance framework. Set own rate. Referral
program. Recently launched expert relationship platform (ERM) for clients.
New York,
Raleigh,
London, Hong
Kong, Boston,
San Francisco,
Los Angeles
Has project
lists. Platform
easy to use
and intuitive.
Deep
Bench
Founded by MIT, Deep Bench connects clients with advisors to access insights and help
build clients-specific expert networks. This 'expert matching platform' enables organizations
and consultants to offer on-demand expert knowledge. Deep Bench licenses their expertise
matching and management software. Advisors can respond to projects directly on the Deep
Bench site.
Boston List of projects.
Advisor
agreement.
Import Linkedin
Profile.
Newsletter.
DeMatteo
Research
DeMatteo Research provides research services to the investment community. Products
include forums, consulting network, targeted conference calls and 1:1 consultation. Advisors
must pass a compliance check.
New York General T&Cs.
Apply to join.
Dialectica Dialectica is a knowledge-sharing platform that connects the world’s leading investment and
corporate strategists with industry specialists across every sector and every region to
address their information gaps. Clients’ work include on-demand knowledge supporting
growth strategy, due diligence, organizational design and market assessments.
Athens, London More of a
consulting firm
with
employees, not
expert network.

ENG Expert Network Group (ENG) provides institutional clients with industry and operating
experts to aid investment decision making. ENG specializes in experts not available on other
services. Experts include C-level executives, doctors, researchers, distributors, resellers,
suppliers, manufacturers, customers and many others. Their experts understand the
dynamics and high-level trends of their industries. Consultations include phone/online, in-
person meetings, long/short-term engagements, panel discussions, board appointments,
field visits and deal source arrangements.
New York, India,
South Korea,
Japan, Brazil,
Taiwan
Activity
dashboard.
Compliance
checking.
Estasheer Estasheer is a ME-focused network of on-demand experts with deep industry consulting and
operating experience. Aided by a smart platform, Estasheer works with clients on defining
and scoping their business needs and engaging them with the right consultants from their
global, pre-screened network.
Dubai Mostly Gulf
states
countries.
Expert
Connect
ExpertConnect helps institutional investors, private equity firms, corporations and
professional service firms make better decisions. The ExpertConnect software can be used
to connect internal employees to each other and externally to help customers. Consultants
are leading experts in their industries and clients are typically seeking advice on products,
services and developments specific to the consultant’s industry. Consultations are typically
phone, on-demand, in-person meetings, seminars, private or small group facilitated meets
and surveys.
Charlotte, NC Activity
Dashboard.
Link to
LinkedIn.
Tutorial
required, Q/A
for compliance.
Expert
Engine
Expert Engine Advisory Services connects business, technical and legal professionals to
over 10,000 rigorously screened peer-recommended experts in over 30,000 areas of
science, engineering, medicine/healthcare, regulation and business. Some may find their
T&C restrictive.
New York,
Minneapolis,
London,
Manchester,
Melbourne,
Sydney,
Dusseldorf,
Hong Kong,
Shanghai,
Singapore
T&C
agreement has
to be
terminated in
writing.
Client
restriction for
one year after
termination.
ExpertView ExpertView provides research services to investment managers, M&A practitioners and
corporate executives by combining primary research with expertise from active industry
participants. Consultations range from single one-on-one telephone conversations through
channel-check research and full summit reviews. ExpertView members have engaged as
interim specialists on a range of projects from M&A integration through digital product
launches to international market expansion programs.
London Register by
emailing
details (for
approval).
Future
Minds
The FutureMinds platform enables clients across the globe to quickly and effectively achieve
their work objectives by leveraging the services of people who are subject-matter experts.
Clients are provided with quick, up-to-date industry/sector-specific information and genuine,
first-hand insights on research topics from carefully selected experts specific to the client
request. FutureMinds is also engaged on medium- to long-term assignments including part-
No location
identified.
No principals
included on
web site. No
client citations/
references.

time and flex-time work. Additionally, FutureMinds also provides hiring services including
contractual and full-time hiring.
GLG GLG may be the best-known expert or "knowledge marketplace". The company claims more
than 700K experts and employs more than 2,000 staff. It recently received $50mm in
investment to fund technology and growth. Consultants must pass annual compliance testing
regardless of engagements or they will be removed from consideration.
Austin, Beijing,
Boston, Dublin,
Gurugram, Hong
Kong, London,
Los Angeles,
Mumbai, New
York (HQ), San
Francisco,
Seoul,
Shanghai,
Shenzhen,
Singapore,
Sydney, Tokyo
T&Cs,
Compliance.
Global
Wonks
A "GlobalWonk" is an international professional with deep expertise and fresh perspectives
on a country, industry or market. GlobalWonk (the company) has created an on-demand
network of experts who bid on the research projects and work collaboratively with other
consultants and the client to fulfill objectives. For the consultant, GlobalWonks provides a
marketplace to reach new clients, a community for professional development and a solution
for managing administrative hassles like drafting contracts and chasing payment. Consulting
opportunities on web platform.
Washington,
New York, Abu
Dhabi
Activity
dashboard.
Guidepoint Guidepoint connects subject matter experts with global clients to provide business insights
and perspective, enabling clients to stay informed and make better business decisions.
Engagements include typical phone consultations, 150+ monthly moderated insights events,
surveys, data analytics and services and litigation services including expert witnesses. The
company recently acquired expert network InnoSquared.
Boston, New
York, San
Francisco,
Dusseldorf,
London, Dubai,
Hong Kong,
Shanghai,
Seoul,
Singapore,
Tokyo
Good activity
platform but no
project listing.
Newsletter.
Inex.One Inex One reinvents the expert network industry. The Inex One platform, improves how
businesses learn and share knowledge around the globe. Clients use Inex One to work
efficiently with multiple expert networks in one dashboard, storing call notes, transcripts and
files.
New York By invitation.

Infollion:
Business
Research
Hyper-
market
Infollion (on-demand experts) enables clients to leverage insights and perspectives shared
by expert advisors to stay informed and make better decisions. Their "PexPanel" matches
the services of experts (including ex-CXOs and top professionals) without hiring them full
time. Services are available via subscription (pre-purchased consulting hours), calls/online
meetings, private conferences, master classes, tours and location visits and workshops. The
company also facilitates longer-term project staffing and for-hire services.
Milwaukee,
Gurgaon, India
Profile and
activity
platform but no
project list.
Insight
Alpha
Insight Alpha is a primary research firm focused on finding relevant experts dedicated to
providing institutional investors with access to leading industry professionals in India and
South East Asia. The company serves 2,000+ clients at large global investment firms,
consultancies, corporations and governments.
New Delhi,
Jakarta,
Singapore,
Mumbai, Tokyo,
Durham, NC,
Kuala Lumpur,
Bangkok, Hanoi
Activity
platform
includes open
consulting
assignments.
Lynk Lynk experts share invaluable insights and amplify their reputation with world-class clients.
More than 630,000+ CEOs, executives, engineers, and consultants have joined Lynk.
Engagements include calls, webinars, in-person meetings, seminars, research, on-site
engagements, media exposure and corporate training. Not clear how to join. Lynk use the
term ‘knowledge as service’ to describe their positioning.
Hong Kong,
New York,
Singapore,
Mumbai,
London,
Shanghai,
Toronto, Manila,
Hyderabad
No clear way
to join.
Maven Maven connects researchers with knowledgeable professionals for short and paid
interactions including telephone consultations, electronic surveys, face-to-face meetings,
extended consulting projects and workshops. Case study examples.
New York Activity
platform and
open
consulting
projects listed.
Industrial and
manufacturing
focus.
Mosaic Mosaic Research Management is a New York City-based provider of technology, customized
recruiting services and proprietary data subscriptions to fund managers who value
proprietary research. Mosaic Advisors offers an invitation-only opportunity to consult with
clients of Mosaic Research Management on select engagements.
New York Email to join.
Network of
Experts
Network of Experts is a global organization of industry professionals and subject matter
experts. Clients are generally professional investment managers and other decision makers
who seek to better understand current issues and trends in a specific industry.
Very old
website.
Newtonx Newtonx has two main product lines: Expert Calls and Expert Surveys. Expert Calls are
similar to the traditional expert network offering of companies like GLG. Expert Surveys use
the Newtonx expert community to address specific questions or a set of questions across a
New York By invitation.

wider universe of experts. Clients can use this facility to gauge or define trend information
such as technology spending in specific areas such as ERP spending.
Noble
Insights
Noble Insights is a primary research firm that connects information seekers with the most
sought-after, respected and informative experts in their respective fields at a cost significantly
below the competition while maintaining the highest compliance standards.
New York Send info via
email to join.
Sample
projects.
Nordic
Knowledge
Partners
Nordic Knowledge Partners provides investment and advisory teams with deep insights to
inform strategic decisions through its Expert Interview Offering and M&A Insights platform.
Copenhagen By invitation
only.
On
Frontiers
OnFrontiers provides a vetted expert on any topic ready to embark on your project within
hours. OnFrontiers builds and maintains a vibrant expert network to support their client
engagements. This approach enforces productive and efficient work while increasing client
competitiveness. Consulting areas include: Business development, strategy, operations, due
dilligence, technology assistance and human resources.
New York Compliance
Review.
Activity
platform.
Patina
Solutions
Patina works with clients to execute on key projects and initiatives, address open executive
positions and develop talent. More like an employee referral and traditional consulting
business.
New York Weekly
newsletter.
Presans Presans is a network of six million scientists and technologists tackling the most complex
industrial challenges to solve problems, craft innovation strategies or lead specialized tech
watches. Presans has created a proprietary industrial “open innovation” platform which
enables the firm to leverage big data, their network of experts and international team of
fellows (ex-CTOs).
Paris Activity
platform and
list of open
projects on
site.
Primary
Insight
Primary Insight is led by industry veterans with superior market knowledge. The company
pioneered the bespoke primary source research process providing live, one-on-one phone
consultations.They facilitate confidential conference calls between experts and clients and in-
person meetings anywhere in the world. Segments include oil & gas, BPO, insurance, ATV,
medical device, hardware/software.
New York, Hong
Kong
ProSapient The ProSapient platform enables clients to interact with industry experts from around the
world. Whether you need to speak to fast food CEOs or consulting oncologists, ProSapient
facilitates these conversations allowing you to gain powerful insights to support your
research. ProSapient uses proprietary tools including AI and transcription of all calls to
augment research projects.
UK-based &
global
Activity
platform but no
open projects.
Sign-up by
invite.
Scholars
Strategy
Network
The Scholars Strategy Network is an organization of university-based scholars who are
committed to using research to improve policy and strengthen democracy. The Scholars
Strategy Network is dedicated to building a nationwide culture where research regularly
informs policy at every level of government.
Cambridge, MA,
& Local
'chapters' in
many states.
Membership
Apply to join.
Must be a peer
reviewed
scholar.

Third
Bridge
Third Bridge primarily provides private equity firms, hedge funds and strategy consultants
with the information required to understand the value of their investment opportunities. The
company believes that expert knowledge depends on a fundamental understanding of
markets and key drivers impacting specific market segments. Third Bridge enables this
through private consultations and exclusive content drawn from interviews with industry
specialists. Third Bridge only contacts its specialists when a relevant opportunity arises.
New York,
London,
Shanghai, Hong
Kong, Mumbai
Compliance
check.
Request Link
for profile build
to become a
“specialist”.
Trustfolio Trustfolio (Mercurr) matches entrepreneurs who are expanding their business abroad with
the best and most relevant local experts. Trustfolio helps entrepreneurs find relevant
contacts who share their culture and speak their language.
Paris, Hong
Kong.
Website is in
French.
Vancery Vancery is a 'professional exchange' connecting industry experts and decision makers.
Unlike traditional expert networks, Vancery's members connect anytime, anywhere and on
their own terms. The Vancery platform provides tools and community benefits for facilitated
opportunities for knowledge and discovery. Vancery helps business leaders address issues
and challenges and learn from each another.
New York Activity
platform and
networking
function.
No open
project list.
Veritux Veritux is an exclusive global community comprised of the best independent professionals
across fields that include management consulting, investment banking, design, healthcare,
and data science. Veritux connects the world’s top independent professionals. To qualify for
membership, independent professionals must be one of the following:
• an alum of a top consulting firm, investment bank, private equity firm, data science firm or
design/innovation firm
• graduate of a top professional school
• former executive with an industry-leading reputation
• an expert demonstrating exceptional thought leadership
The Veritux community is led by the team behind Umbrex, a global community of
independent management consultants that is composed primarily of alums of McKinsey, Bain
and BCG. The Veritux mission is to create opportunities for independent professionals to
meet, build relationships, share lessons learned and collaborate.
New York Weekly
newsletter with
project
opportunities+
help and
support, +
useful links.
Wonder Wonder is a global research service of more than 6,000 analysts available on demand for
project-based research across a wide range of segments and functions. A project can be
kicked off via their interactive website which enables anyone - from individuals up to Fortune
500 companies - to gain knowledge when they need it. Wonder accepts applications to join
their network and are seeking researchers with prior experience in a professional or
academic setting.
Brooklyn, NY Researchers
earn between
$15-18/hour.
Newsletter.
Xperiti
Connect
Xperiti serves industry leaders such as the Boston Consulting Group, Sphera Funds and
Pontifax utilizing machine-learning technologies to build an automated expert network
designed to reduce the time and cost of traditional solutions. Xperiti's post-call, pre-call and
real-time call analysis introduces three layers of technology to help experts manage conflicts
and enable clients to implement their own protocols.
New York

Xperts
Council
Xperts Council is unlike conventional expert networks because they do not rely on
databases, operating more like a search firm in determining in detail the project task or need
and then launching a search for the right adviser under tight deadlines.
London, Paris,
Porto
Activity
platform. No
list of open
projects.
Newsletters.
Yegii Yegii provides expertise on demand, sourcing both expert teams and expert knowledge from
a global pool. Yegii's insight discovery platform contains ranked knowledge assets in several
key industry verticals: Energy, Finance, Healthcare and Tech. The rankings are done by a
combination of in-house Yegii editorial review and crowdsourced expert review among
Yegii's members, which include experts, consultants and corporate clients. Yegii also
provides a more tailored service where companies can run competitions among Yegii's
experts to help resolve their business challenges.
Cambridge, MA,
Brussels, Oslo.
Activity
platform.
Zintro Zintro is a business network that connects clients with experts for consulting engagements
ranging from a half-hour phone consultation to multi-month on-site engagements. The
network has almost 40,000 experts. Zintro will supply the same or better experts and service
levels as other Expert Networks at 30-75% of the cost.
Boston Activity
platform. List of
open projects.

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