Business
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11 min read
Top Expert Networks: The Best Platforms to Access Industry Experts in 2025
In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies and investors need quick, reliable access to real-world expertise. Whether you’re validating a new market, conducting due diligence, or solving a specific operational challenge, connecting with the right expert can dramatically accelerate decision-making and reduce costly mistakes. This is why expert networks have become essential tools across industries. Expert networks are platforms that connect professionals and organizations with specialists who have direct experience in their field. These platforms allow users to schedule one-on-one calls, request interviews, or commission surveys with experts around the globe. In this article, we present the top expert networks in 2025 and explain how they differ in scope, specialization, and pricing.
What Makes a Great Expert Network?
Not all expert networks are the same. A strong platform is defined by the quality and speed of expert matching, the breadth of its database, its compliance protocols, and the flexibility of its services. Some platforms are designed for high-level consulting firms and financial institutions, while others are more suitable for startups, researchers, or operational teams.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading expert networks available today.
GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group)
GLG is the pioneer and market leader in the expert network industry. With over one million professionals in its database, it serves a global client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, investment firms, and top-tier consulting agencies.
What makes GLG stand out is its rigorous expert vetting process and robust compliance framework, which are especially important in highly regulated sectors such as finance and healthcare. The company is also known for offering customized solutions ranging from expert calls to full-scale advisory projects.
GLG is best suited for companies that need comprehensive coverage, strict confidentiality, and access to senior-level experts.
AlphaSights
AlphaSights has built a strong reputation for speed, precision, and service quality. The company works closely with private equity firms, investment analysts, and consultants who need rapid insight into highly specific sectors or markets.
AlphaSights excels at sourcing experts quickly, often in less than 24 hours, and its global network spans dozens of industries and geographies. The platform’s project managers are known for being proactive and responsive, ensuring that clients are matched with relevant experts without delay.
If you need high-quality expertise on a tight timeline, AlphaSights is one of the best choices available.
Guidepoint
Guidepoint is a well-established network based in New York that offers access to over one million experts worldwide. It is particularly strong in life sciences, medical technology, and engineering, although it supports projects across a wide range of sectors.
One of Guidepoint’s key advantages is its cost-effectiveness compared to larger platforms like GLG. It provides a similar level of expert quality while offering more flexible pricing structures, making it ideal for medium-sized businesses and recurring research projects.
For healthcare-related insights or projects that require scientific or technical knowledge, Guidepoint is a go-to solution.
Third Bridge
Third Bridge combines traditional expert network services with original research and interview transcripts. The company employs in-house researchers who conduct deep-dive interviews with industry experts and then share the findings with clients.
This model is especially useful for investment professionals who want not only a live conversation, but also access to structured insights and supporting documentation. The platform has a strong presence in private equity, hedge funds, and strategic consulting.
Third Bridge is an excellent choice for clients who need both high-quality calls and written market intelligence.
Coleman Research
Coleman Research is a U.S.-focused expert network that has gained popularity for its personalized customer support and strong compliance record. While it has a smaller footprint compared to GLG or AlphaSights, its focus on high-touch service makes it a preferred choice for many finance and consulting professionals.
The platform is particularly well-suited for clients in North America who value a direct relationship with their account team and prefer working with a network that understands the nuances of U.S. markets.
Maven
Maven operates as a flexible, on-demand expert marketplace. It allows users to schedule calls, send messages, or launch surveys with subject-matter experts from around the world. Unlike other networks, Maven supports self-service features, enabling clients to connect directly with professionals without waiting for a project manager.
Maven is especially useful for startups, SMEs, and academic researchers, thanks to its more accessible pricing and variety of engagement options. The platform is also a good fit for projects that require feedback from a broader range of participants through its survey tools.
Atheneum Partners
Based in Berlin, Atheneum has positioned itself as a globally distributed expert network with particular strengths in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets. The platform serves clients in healthcare, energy, public policy, and international development.
Atheneum’s multilingual capabilities and geographic reach make it ideal for international research projects or companies exploring expansion into non-English-speaking regions. Its internal teams are experienced in recruiting highly specific profiles across borders.
Inex One
Inex One offers a different model from traditional expert networks. Rather than being a network itself, Inex One acts as a marketplace for expert networks, allowing clients to access and compare multiple providers through a single interface.
This platform is ideal for organizations that want to optimize their research budget, maintain visibility over expert usage, and test multiple providers without managing several separate contracts. It’s a modern, tech-driven solution for procurement teams and project managers who need more transparency and control.
Conclusion: Which Expert Network Is Right for You?
The best expert network for your business will depend on your industry, budget, timeline, and the depth of insight you need. If you’re looking for the largest and most established network with strong compliance, GLG is a safe choice. If speed is your priority, AlphaSights delivers fast, targeted results. For healthcare or technical projects, Guidepoint or Atheneum may be the best fit. And if you want flexibility and cost control, Maven or Inex One are worth exploring.
Expert networks have become essential tools for strategy, investment, innovation, and operational excellence. In just one conversation, you can unlock years of knowledge—and that can make all the difference.