Comparing Expert Network Calls (ENC) and Third Bridge: A Guide for Investors and Businesses

Sep 17, 2025 3 minutes read

Today, there are more than 200 expert networks in the world. We have compared Expert Network Calls (ENC) – an expert network aggregator platform – and Third Bridge, one of the most prominent expert networks on the market.

If a business or investor wants to gain specialized knowledge in a certain industry or field, they turn to expert networks, which connect them to subject-matter experts.

These experts can be industry veterans, academics, consultants, or former executives with the relevant experience and comprehensive knowledge that the client requires.

Today, there are more than 200 expert networks in the world, which often makes it difficult for clients to choose one in particular.

We have compared Expert Network Calls (ENC) – an expert network aggregator platform – and Third Bridge, one of the most prominent expert networks on the market.

Overview of the Platforms

Expert Network Calls – the Aggregator Marketplace

ENC is a platform that aggregates many expert networks into one interface, and thus is not an expert network itself.

Founded in 2021, ENC aggregates over 20 partner networks on a single platform
Offers access to 2.5 million+ experts globally without a subscription or prepayment
There are no mark-ups, the client pays only for what they use
AI-generated transcripts and summaries are available at no extra cost
Highly flexible, ideal for those clients with unpredictable needs or smaller projects.

This marketplace aggregator was established to provide simultaneous access to several expert networks, which in turn increases flexibility, reduces client costs, and offers faster and more transparent connections to subject-matter experts.

Third Bridge - a Prominent Expert Network

Founded in 2007, Third Bridge is a global expert network with over 1,500 employees across 12 offices
It claims to have over 1.5 million vetted industry experts available
Pricing is typically via a credit package or subscription
Services include expert calls, a library (an archive of on-demand expert insights and company intelligence on 65,000+ firms), surveys, advisors, and data feeds (long-term expert support and integration of insights into research workflows).

Side-by-Side Structure and Workflow Comparison

Feature	ENC	Third Bridge
Business Model	Marketplace of expert networks	Full-service expert network
Expert Access	2.5M+ experts via partner networks can reach niche experts by tapping into multiple sources	1.5M+ experts in its proprietary network; custom recruits for niche topics as needed
Geographic Reach	Global (through partner networks), no physical offices needed	Global coverage with 12 offices offering local support
Pricing	No subscriptions or prepayments	Prepaid or per-call pricing
Pricing Structure	Pay-per-call (no subscriptions or prepayments). Invoice after calls; no upfront commitment	Subscription/credits, per-call cost (credits system)
Services	Calls via networks, AI transcripts, summaries	Large library of company intelligence, 1:1 expert calls, surveys, consultations, investment reports
Flexibility	Very flexible – use anytime, no minimums. Can invite any network, compare options, and freely scale usage up or down	Structured – tied to contract terms. Limited vendor choice (only Third Bridge’s network). More rigid but offers tailored approaches (surveys, etc.)
Expert Search	Managed by the selected expert networks	Managed by dedicated account managers
Speed & Flexibility	Experts available in under 1–3 days	Fast matching, but this depends on the complexity
Compliance and Vetting	Vendors on ENC are trusted ENs with established compliance processes, and ENC ensures all engagements meet standard compliance requirements	Robust in-house compliance team and processes; every expert call is vetted and monitored. Consistent standards, strong legal framework
Call Support	Automated logistics and platform-provided line/video	The EN team manages the logistics, compliance, and setup
Value-Added Services	AI-generated transcripts and summaries at no additional cost	Optional paid add-ons include transcripts, recordings, research library, AI-powered search, and summaries
Client Experience	Self-service with optional account support	High-touch, dedicated account managers

1. Expert Pool and Access to Expertise

ENC:

Aggregates experts from 20+ networks globally, totaling 2.5M+ experts
Clients can invite networks to work on specific projects
Strong generalist and specialist coverage across multiple industries.

Third Bridge:

Curates experts internally with a focus on quality and compliance
Offers industry specialists and niche professionals
Recommended for high-volume, recurring projects
Forum (Library) of expert interview transcripts, covering over 65,000 companies.

2. Pricing and Cost Structure

ENC:

No subscriptions, retainers, or upfront payments
Clients pay per project; one invoice covers all experts
Unlimited users and no additional fees for features such as transcripts or recordings.

Third Bridge:

Credit-cased (prepaid)
Pay-As-You-Go – pay per interaction
Subscriptions – pay an upfront flat fee for access to experts
Experts set the hourly rates; Third Bridge applies markups
Services such as transcripts, call recordings, surveys, or research support may have separate charges or consume credits in prepaid models.

3. Platform and Workflow

ENC:

Self-service model whereby clients manage projects, select the experts, and schedule calls, and dedicated account management is available when clients require support, and will be assisted every step of the way
Centralized dashboard for messaging, scheduling, reviewing experts, and storing call records.

Third Bridge:

Managed service with dedicated account managers handling the expert search and scheduling, and offering project support.

4. Value-Added Features

ENC:

AI-generated transcripts and summaries included for every call
Multi-language support
Transparent, single-invoice billing for all experts
Centralized call library
Integrated chat and collaboration
Project management dashboard.

Third Bridge:

AI-powered search and summarization capabilities
Multi-language support
Tailored interview transcripts (multilingual)
Third Bridge Forum (Library) offers access to an archive of expert interview transcripts and reports
Surveys and research services (for example, advisory service to hire experts for longer engagements).

Conclusion

Third Bridge and ENC can both provide knowledgeable insights, but which one will be better for you will depend on your particular circumstances.

Third Bridge boasts a global presence, has long been a heavyweight in the industry, and continues to be among the biggest traditional expert networks out there.

Expert Network Calls (ENC), on the other hand, is a new cutting-edge marketplace aggregator that brings together 20+ expert networks (over 2.5 million experts collectively) on one platform.