Expert Network Calls (ENC) and AlphaSights: A Marketplace Meets a Traditional Expert Network

Whenever M&A professionals, dealmakers, research teams, and investors need detailed insights and market knowledge, they turn to Expert Networks.

However, due to the large number of Expert Networks (in August 2025, there are approximately 200 ENs, according to some estimates, and this number is growing) and the appearance of new business models such as Expert Network marketplaces, it could be difficult for a company to make the best choice.

While Expert Networks were created to connect companies with subject-matter experts, marketplaces were designed to facilitate access to multiple Expert Networks, thereby enhancing flexibility, reducing expenses, and providing faster and clearer connections to subject-matter experts.

To shed some light on the advantages of each model of expert contracting, we examined the open data published by Expert Network Calls (ENC) and AlphaSights to provide a comparison of the innovative expert network aggregator platform with one of the largest traditional expert networks.

Overview: ENC vs. AlphaSights

AlphaSights is consistently listed as a market leader among Expert Networks and has a strong reputation for quality and compliance. Its approach differs significantly from ENC’s marketplace model, particularly in how clients engage with the service provider and pay for services.

AlphaSights

Founded in 2008, AlphaSights is a traditional expert network with a large internal team and extensive global coverage.

1. Although it’s among the largest single expert networks, it does not publicly disclose the exact number of experts in its proprietary network.
2. The company says that during its lifetime, it has curated “25 million expert-to-company relationships” in its knowledge graph to help to identify the right expert quickly.
3. It offers a more hands-on, premium service where clients rely on account managers to find and vet experts, but it does not publicly disclose the average cost per expert interview.

AlphaSights is a good option for large firms that prefer to pay upfront for all their usage, and it offers additional paid services such as surveys and a research content library.

Expert Network Calls (ENC)

Founded in 2021, ENC is a platform that aggregates 20+ Expert Networks into a single interface.

1. Clients have access to more than 2.5 million experts in various industries, from over 20 networks, without requiring any subscriptions or prepayments.
2. ENC does not charge the client any markup, instead, it takes a small commission from the ENs.
3. The platform includes useful tools such as AI-generated transcripts at no extra cost. This makes it a highly flexible and transparent solution for clients who don’t necessarily buy thousands of calls per year and don’t want to pay upfront for credits they may not use.

1. Expert pool and access to expertise

AlphaSights:

1. Has an extensive database of experts, but does not disclose the numbers behind it
2. In-house team of 2,000+ employees curates the expert selection
3. Typically provides expert matches quickly.

ENC:

1. Aggregates 20+ expert networks, giving access to 2.5 million+ experts globally
2. Clients invite select Expert Networks to work on their project
3. Offers strong generalist Expert Network providers from all parts of the world
4. Expert availability - typically within 1–3 days.

2. Pricing and Cost Structure

AlphaSights:

1. Uses a prepaid credit model
2. Additional fees may apply for extra services such as call recordings, transcripts, and blind calls (keeping the caller’s identity private)
3. Average cost per interview is undisclosed.

ENC:

1. No subscriptions or retainers required
2. Clients pay per project, regardless of the number of contracted ENs. One invoice for all vendors
3. No additional charges for features such as transcripts or recordings. Unlimited number of users
4. Transparent pricing: you see the expert’s hourly rate before booking. No credits or hidden fees.

3. Platform and Workflow

AlphaSights:

1. Managed service: Clients interact with dedicated account managers who handle expert searches, scheduling, and curation
2. Offers a client portal but relies on personal interaction with the account team
3. Expert profiles, scheduling, and communications are typically done through email or calls with the AlphaSights team
4. 2,000+ employees.

ENC:

1. Self-service model: clients manage their projects, select experts, and schedule calls directly on the platform
2. Centralized dashboard for managing all project-related tasks: messaging, scheduling, reviewing expert profiles, and storing call recordings
3. Automatic AI-generated summaries and transcripts after every call, available in 8 languages.

4. Value-Added Services

AlphaSights:

1. Transcripts and recordings require additional fees
2. Multi-language support (60+ languages)
3. Offers an expert content library (AlphaNow) with previously conducted research, but this may come at an additional cost or require a subscription
4. AlphaNow (expert research library) - the company adds hundreds of new expert insights to the library every week.

ENC:

1. Free AI-generated transcripts for every consultation at no extra cost, and summaries (after each expert call, clients receive an automated, real-time transcript and summary, which is included as part of the service fee)
2. Multi-language support (8 languages for transcripts)
3. One invoice per project – simple and transparent billing.

Which One Should You Choose?

When to Choose AlphaSights:

1. You prefer a managed service: AlphaSights provides support and handpicks experts for you, making it ideal for firms that want less involvement in the process.
2. You need a full-service solution: AlphaSights offers expert surveys, knowledge libraries, and long-term consulting services.
3. If you’re an established firm: AlphaSights is a trusted partner for large firms with frequent expert needs and a history of client relationships.

When to Choose Expert Network Calls (ENC):

1. You prefer flexibility: ENC lets you choose from multiple networks, giving you access to more diverse experts.
2. If you want transparency and simplicity: ENC’s pricing and process are clear, with no upfront payments, no subscriptions, or hidden fees.
3. If you have varied or unpredictable expert needs: ENC’s marketplace lets you source experts from specialized networks and get results quickly.

Both ENC and AlphaSights offer excellent access to expert knowledge, but they cater to slightly different client needs:

1. ENC provides flexibility, cost transparency, and a modern platform for firms that prefer a self-service model with control over the process.
2. AlphaSights offers a premium, high-touch service, with expert-curated research and a focus on providing a concierge experience for clients who need personalized support.

AlphaSights may still be the preferred choice for companies that require full-service support.

By using ENC, clients gain access to a wider array of expert networks, faster results, and greater flexibility. The marketplace model and transparent pricing are highly appealing to those who want more control and value without locking into long-term contracts.