The expert network industry has become one of the most critical intelligence tools for consulting firms, investors, corporate strategy teams, and due diligence professionals. The global industry will grow beyond 2025, having already surpassed USD 2.50 billion in 2024 with a 9% growth rate [25].
With shorter decision cycles and more complex global markets, the demand for rapid, accurate, and specialised expertise is at an all-time high.
In 2025, the landscape is shaped by traditional giants, high-speed sourcing teams, integrated research firms, and a new, fast-growing category.
This guide breaks down how the major players compare in 2025 and how Infoquest is redefining the category
What Defines the Top Providers in 2025?
To be considered among the best networks today, a firm must deliver:
- Speed: sourcing the right expert within hours, not days
- Accuracy: highly relevant, context-specific expertise
- Coverage: global reach + niche industry depth
- Compliance: strict data protection and professional conduct standards
- Flexibility: ability to source ANY role, not just from a pre-built database
- Cost efficiency: competitive pricing without compromising quality
Clients care less about the size of a database and more about precision and turnaround time.
Top Expert Networks in 2025: Side-by-Side Comparison
Below is a clear breakdown of the leading firms and their positioning in 2025.
| Network | Best For | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG | Enterprises, banks, large consulting firms | Massive expert base, compliance | Slower, expensive, rigid |
| Guidepoint | Consulting & corporates | Balanced global coverage | Less innovation |
| AlphaSights | Fast-paced projects | Speed, response time | Less tailored matching |
| Third Bridge | PE & deep-dive research | Sector insights + experts | Higher cost, slower |
| Coleman Research | Institutional investors | Good investor coverage | Smaller global reach |
| Infoquest | Custom-sourcing, niche | Fast, precise, AI-assisted sourcing | Smaller database reliance (intentional) |
Infoquest
Infoquest represents the new wave of networks entering the market.
Instead of relying on a static database, Infoquest uses a custom sourcing approach, which is enhanced with AI-assisted research and deep regional expertise for every project.
Strengths
- Custom sourcing from scratch for each request
- AI-accelerated workflows → faster expert identification
- 800+ projects delivered with 98% client satisfaction
- Extremely fast turnaround (within 2 hours)
Limitations
- Smaller database by design (focus on precision, not volume)
For clients needing accuracy, access to rare profiles, or emerging markets, Infoquest competes more aggressively than legacy players.
GLG
GLG remains the largest network in the world.
Strengths
- Unmatched database size
- Strong compliance framework
- Broad industry coverage
Limitations
- Slower sourcing due to scale
- Higher pricing compared to alternatives
- Heavy reliance on pre-existing networks, limiting niche coverage
Guidepoint
Guidepoint delivers stability and a consistent client experience.
Strengths
- Strong global presence
- Reliable quality
- Good cross-industry coverage
Limitations
- Less aggressive adoption of AI sourcing
- Similar rigidity to GLG
AlphaSights
AlphaSights is known for speed and operational efficiency.
Strengths
- Rapid sourcing for general roles
- Strong footprint in consulting
- Highly trained sourcing teams
Limitations
- Less relevant depth in niche sectors
- Still heavily manual
Third Bridge
Third Bridge blends expert insights with large-scale research reports.
Strengths
- Exceptional for private equity
- Deep industry knowledge
- Integrated research products
Limitations
- Expensive
- Slower turnaround
- Structured workflows not suited for urgent requests
Conclusion
The landscape of industry insight has changed. What used to be a database-driven service is now a speed, precision, and context game. Legacy firms like GLG, Guidepoint, AlphaSights, and Third Bridge still dominate in size and scale, but they’re no longer the only answer, especially for teams that need niche profiles, fast turnaround, or regional depth.
Clients today want one thing: the right expert, delivered quickly, with zero friction. That shift is exactly why newer custom-sourcing models are gaining ground. Infoquest sits in this category, leaner, faster, more specialised, and built around accuracy rather than volume.
As 2025 progresses, the winners in this industry will be the providers that can combine technology, smart sourcing, and real subject-matter depth.
