The expert network model explained
An expert network finds and recruits knowledgeable individuals for short consultations with parties seeking expert insights. In many ways, an expert network is comparable to a recruitment firm: it recruits experts for short consultation sessions (instead of full-time jobs). GLG, typically referred to as the oldest expert network, started in 1998; today there are more than 200 expert networks in a $3 Bn market.
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As the expert network aggregator, Inex One solves the inherent inefficiencies in expert networks: admin hassle, opaque pricing, and internal operations. More than 8,000 clients use Inex One to get expert insights fast.
When do people use expert networks?
Expert networks are one of the most important sources of primary insights for strategy and investment research. Investors, strategy professionals and even product researchers use it to get deep market insights. We estimate that 11,200 companies use expert networks in 2026, with the number growing by thousands every year - as the industry becomes more popular and public.
For concrete examples of how people use expert networks, here's:
Expert networks are particularly relevant for commercial due diligence
Speaking to an expert is the fastest way to understand any industry. Commercial due diligence is the rawest form of this: a smart generalist approaches an industry they had little or no prior experience in - and must understand it deeply in just a few weeks. Expert networks are used on almost all of the thousands of CDDs run each year.
For the individual strategy consultant, a couple expert network calls make the entire difference between being just a "smart, but clueless generalist", and actually providing value to their client.
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Traditional expert networks are expensive and clunky
Most large clients have contracts with multiple expert networks, to get a wide selection of experts. However, the use of multiple networks is limited by administrative costs and poor pricing transparency. Concretely, traditional expert networks require you to:
Pay an upfront subscription for usage "credits"
Use those credits for calls. But a call is rarely just 1 credit, and there are hidden charges all around.
Email with your account rep. This gets clunky once you have more than 1 expert network (which you want, lest you're a price-taker with limited access to experts)
Inex One makes expert networks efficient
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Now, what if you want the best experts - with minimal admin hassle? And no fooling around on price?
That's why we built Inex One, the expert network aggregator. I was a massive user of expert networks myself, and then built Inex One as the tool I always had wanted.
With 30+ expert networks in one platform, you get fast access to experts, efficient workflows, and compliance infrastructure.
All parties win:
Clients can engage expert networks at zero marginal cost. You get a wide selection of experts, great transparency on expert quality, and overall lower costs.
New clients - previously discouraged by high costs to access expert networks - can access expert networks self-serve, pay-per-use.
High-performing expert networks can grow their business based on service quality merits; not legacy brand.
Experts benefit from higher business volumes where their knowledge is in demand.
Ready to get insights? Get started here.
