Best Databases for Private Company Comparables

Finding reliable data on private companies is challenging, but essential for valuations, M&A deals, and strategic decisions. This guide covers four top databases for analyzing private companies:

• BIZCOMPS: Best for small business transaction data.
• Pratt’s Stats (DealStats): Offers detailed transaction metrics and market multiples.
• Comparables.ai: AI-powered insights with global coverage.
• Phoenix Strategy Group: Tailored for growth-stage companies with advanced financial tools.

Quick Comparison Table

Each platform has strengths and limitations. Combining tools often yields the most accurate results. Read on to find the best fit for your needs.

1. BIZCOMPS

BIZCOMPS is a specialized database focused on private company comparables, offering in-depth financial metrics across various industries. Its main strength lies in its vast collection of transaction data, which makes it a reliable resource for financial analysis.

The database provides detailed financial information, such as:

• Revenue figures
• EBITDA metrics
• Profitability ratios
• Sales price data
• Industry-specific key performance indicators (KPIs)

BIZCOMPS is particularly useful for market research and company valuations due to its transaction-level details. Updates are made regularly, though the frequency can differ by industry and region.

When paired with professional advisory services, BIZCOMPS adds value to strategic planning for companies in growth stages. However, it may have gaps in coverage for certain industries or geographic areas. To get the most out of it, financial professionals often combine BIZCOMPS data with other sources for a more well-rounded analysis. The platform’s interface is straightforward, focusing on delivering practical, actionable data.

Pricing details for BIZCOMPS aren't publicly disclosed, but many professionals find the cost justified given its depth and the quality of its financial metrics. It serves as a key tool in the private company data space, complementing other databases by offering transaction-specific details that broader platforms may not cover.

While BIZCOMPS shines in providing detailed transaction data, platforms like Pratt's Stats can offer additional perspectives on wider market trends. Together, they can create a more complete picture for financial analysis.

2. Pratt's Stats (DealStats)

Pratt's Stats (DealStats) is a detailed transaction database featuring over 30,000 private and public company deals. It's known for offering in-depth financial metrics that are essential for valuations and analyzing market trends.

The platform provides a wealth of information, including financial statements, transaction terms, industry classifications, and geographic details. It carefully cross-references data from various sources to ensure high levels of accuracy.

Key valuation metrics, such as revenue multiples, EBITDA, and asset-based figures, are included, along with deal-specific details like payment structures. This makes it a go-to resource for professionals like investment bankers, valuation analysts, and strategic planners who need a detailed look at transactions and market trends.

Although its interface may feel less modern compared to newer tools like Comparables.ai, Pratt's Stats makes up for it with rigorous data verification and extensive coverage. It also integrates seamlessly with BVMarketData tools, offering users access to a variety of data sources.

When paired with other databases, Pratt's Stats helps users gain a clearer picture of transaction details, improving the precision of valuations. Pricing for access to the platform is not publicly listed and requires direct contact with the provider.

While Pratt's Stats delivers unmatched transaction-level details, newer platforms such as Comparables.ai use AI to offer more dynamic insights into private company data.

3. Comparables.ai

Comparables.ai takes private company research and valuation to the next level by integrating AI with traditional databases like Pratt's Stats. Covering over 360 million active businesses worldwide, it offers one of the largest datasets available today.

The platform combines detailed financial metrics with AI-driven tools to deliver powerful insights. For companies that don't disclose financials, it uses market indicators to estimate key figures, complementing its extensive historical data, income statements, and balance sheets. Real-time updates ensure the information stays current, while AI-powered search tools provide fast, accurate results.

"With Comparables.ai, we gain access to the fullest database of private and public companies globally that we have seen. We can find any registered entity and know their financials if released." - Nathan Sutton, Managing Director, Tangible Markets

Users highlight the platform's ability to speed up processes like M&A screening, benchmarking, and valuation analysis. It can identify relevant companies and competitors up to 20 times faster than older methods, making it a go-to tool for deal sourcing and market research under tight deadlines.

The platform offers a free version with limited features, but upgrading to the premium version unlocks full database access, financial details, and advanced AI tools. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose a plan that fits their needs.

While Comparables.ai shines in AI-powered private company analysis, other platforms, such as Phoenix Strategy Group, cater to specific niches like growth-stage businesses.

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4. Phoenix Strategy Group

Phoenix Strategy Group uses its own data, advanced tech, and financial know-how to provide accurate valuations and comparables analysis for private companies. Their financial advisory services are specifically designed for growth-stage businesses.

The platform blends traditional financial metrics with advanced data tools to handle complex datasets, offering detailed insights. Unlike broader platforms, Phoenix Strategy Group zeroes in on growth-stage companies, delivering tailored insights through its proprietary data and real-time updates.

They stand out in M&A support by using advanced data tools to pinpoint the most relevant comparables for accurate valuations. Their expertise in analyzing financial patterns makes them especially useful for businesses needing precise insights in specific market areas.

This focused approach differs from larger databases like Comparables.ai, which prioritize scale. While Phoenix Strategy Group may not match the size of such platforms, they offer highly specialized analysis tailored for growth-stage companies, emphasizing detailed financial metrics and real-time data.

Their services come with flexible pricing plans, ranging from basic financial analysis to full enterprise solutions. These include complete access to their proprietary database and advanced tools.

Phoenix Strategy Group is an excellent choice for growth-stage companies needing targeted analysis. However, it's important to weigh the strengths and limitations of different platforms for a well-rounded private company evaluation.

Pros and Cons

This section breaks down the strengths and challenges of key databases, helping you decide which one aligns with your business goals. Since private company data can be hard to find, knowing the trade-offs of each option is crucial for accurate analysis.

When choosing a platform, think about your specific needs and limitations. For example, Comparables.ai uses AI to streamline analysis, making it a strong choice for those seeking real-time insights. On the other hand, Pratt's Stats provides in-depth market multiples and analytical tools but comes with a higher price and complexity. BIZCOMPS is ideal for small business data, offering straightforward filters for targeted results.

Key factors to consider include:

• The type and scope of data you need
• Your budget
• Whether advanced features are essential
• Industry relevance
• The size and stage of the companies you're analyzing

Testing a basic version of a platform can help you determine if it meets your needs before committing to an upgrade. Carefully weighing these factors will help you select the database that best supports your valuation and strategy efforts.

Making the Right Database Choice

Selecting the best database comes down to your specific goals and available resources. Here’s a breakdown of what each platform can bring to the table.

Comparables.ai is a strong option for those seeking real-time insights and global market perspectives. Its AI-powered analysis caters to fast-changing market needs. However, since it’s relatively new, it’s wise to double-check critical data with other sources.

BIZCOMPS is perfect for analyzing smaller businesses. It provides detailed transaction data and industry-specific filters, making it ideal for focused, targeted evaluations.

Pratt's Stats stands out for enterprise-level valuations. With detailed market multiples and advanced tools, it’s well-suited for complex assessments, though it comes with a higher price tag.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Tools

• Combine multiple databases to cross-check and ensure accuracy.
• Use modern tools to streamline your workflow and align data with economic trends.
• Consider expert services, like Phoenix Strategy Group, to help interpret and apply database insights effectively.

While no single database can do it all, using them together creates a powerful toolkit for valuing private companies. The trick is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. By choosing tools that complement one another, you can build a reliable framework for private company analysis that fits your needs and avoids common pitfalls in valuation.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about private company data sources to make your research easier.

What is the best source of information for private companies?

Finding reliable information about private companies often requires using multiple resources. Some of the most helpful sources include:

• Industry associations and trade publications
• Press releases and reputable news outlets
• Academic studies and case analyses
• Specialized databases and professional tools

How to find financial information on a private company online?

Uncovering accurate financial data for private companies often involves using specialized platforms. Here are a few top tools:

What is better than a PitchBook?

The best alternative to PitchBook depends on your specific needs:

• AlphaSense: Excels in market research and sentiment analysis, ideal for qualitative insights.
• Bloomberg: Offers broader financial data and real-time market updates, perfect for extensive market analysis.
• Crunchbase: A budget-friendly option at $29/user per month, great for basic research and contact details.
• Comparables.ai: Stands out with AI-driven insights and real-time global private company analysis.

Related Blog Posts

• How to Select Comparable Companies for Valuation
• Key Steps in Market Comparables Analysis
• Scenario Analysis for M&A Revenue Projections
• How Market Comparables Help Value Private Companies