In the ever-evolving landscape of financial data platforms, PitchBook's Analyst Workspaces and Analyst-Curated Verticals stand out as powerful yet often overlooked features that deserve more attention. Workspaces and Verticals, launched in late 2020 and late 2022, respectively, can help researchers leverage institutional research* and focused industry coverage spanning emerging technologies and specialized market segments.
* Provided by Pitchbook's Institutional Research Group (PIRG)
Analyst Workspaces
At its core, Analyst Workspaces serve as a centralized hub where teams can access, customize, and build upon PitchBook's research materials. What makes it particularly valuable is the unprecedented "behind-the-scenes" access it provides to analysts' workflows and methodologies. Users can explore over 50 curated workspaces covering crucial areas like Industry and Technology Research, Venture Capital, Real Estate & Real Assets, and Asset Allocation & Fundraising. Also included; AI & ML, Climate Tech, Gaming, Crypto, etc.
The platform includes over 240 reports, 100 analyst-built searches, and numerous market maps, providing a robust foundation for investment research and strategy development. Teams can duplicate existing workspaces, share modified versions with collaborators, and utilize features like commenting functionality and activity logging. For ongoing research projects, users can set up daily, weekly, or monthly alerts for new companies that meet their specific criteria.
Analyst-Curated Verticals
While traditional industry classifications might suffice for basic analysis, PitchBook's vertical coverage spans over 50 specialized markets and 85+ emerging spaces. This granular categorization proves invaluable when working on projects examining market disruption or innovation trends. Coverage here also enables researchers to track emerging trends and identify potential market disruptions across multiple sectors. For instance, rather than broadly researching "financial services," you can dive deep into specific verticals like insurtech or digital lending, accessing comprehensive data and analysis that can set your research apart. Also included; Agtech, Medtech, Mobility, Food & Beverage CPG, etc.
For students looking to streamline their research process and leverage institutional-grade insights, these tools represent often forgotten resources within the PitchBook Platform. Whether you're benchmarking fund performance, mapping company ecosystems, or developing detailed industry outlooks, these tools can even offer practical advantages for career preparation. When researching potential employers or preparing for interviews, users can leverage competitor lists and market maps to demonstrate deep industry knowledge. The platform's vertical-specific insights can also help to identify emerging opportunities and develop informed perspectives on industry trends - exactly what recruiters look for in candidates.
Note: When conducting research, be mindful of export limitations (10 rows daily, 25 monthly) and plan your data exports thoughtfully to maximize their utility for your projects.
For Marshall students and faculty, find and access Pitchbook and other Finance and Investment resources here: https://libguides.usc.edu/finance/mergersacquisitions