This comparison between CB Insights and Preqin is crafted to assist investment professionals, particularly those focused on venture capital, private equity, and the broader alternative asset classes. Both platforms provide robust data solutions, but their core strengths cater to different aspects of the investment landscape. This guide will highlight the unique features of each, helping users choose the right tool for their specific needs.

Evolution & Key Features

CB Insights:

• History: Founded in 2008, CB Insights has rapidly become a go-to resource for data on high-tech startups, venture capital, and market trend analytics, using advanced predictive technologies to forecast industry movements.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced Predictive Analytics: Utilizes machine learning to offer insights into future market trends, startup health, and investment opportunities.
  • Market Intelligence Dashboards: Provides comprehensive dashboards that aggregate data on investments, tech advancements, and competitive landscapes, empowering users with actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
  • Unique Selling Point: Renowned for its ability to analyze and predict technology trends, CB Insights excels in providing strategic intelligence that anticipates market developments.

Preqin:

• History: Preqin specializes in providing in-depth data and analytics on the alternative assets industry, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and hedge funds.
• Key Features:
  • Extensive Coverage of Alternative Assets: Delivers detailed information on fund performance, fundraising, deal transactions, and institutional investors in the alternative asset sectors.
  • Investment Opportunity Tracking: Offers tools that help identify potential investment opportunities and benchmark performance across various alternative asset classes.
  • Unique Selling Point: Preqin is distinguished for its comprehensive coverage and deep data insights into the global alternative assets market, making it invaluable for investors and analysts in these sectors.

Direct Comparison

• Data Quality and Extensiveness: CB Insights offers broad coverage with a focus on high-growth industries and startups, supported by predictive analytics that highlight future investment opportunities. Preqin provides specialized, in-depth data on the alternative assets market, with extensive historical data and performance metrics essential for alternative asset management.
• User Experience and Interface: CB Insights features a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex data analysis, making it accessible for users looking to understand tech market trends and venture capital flows quickly. Preqin’s interface is detailed and focused on delivering comprehensive data insights, tailored to the needs of professionals in the alternative assets industry.
• Pricing and Accessibility: Both platforms are considered premium services. CB Insights is generally targeted toward high-end corporate users and innovation-centric investors, while Preqin’s pricing structure is designed to cater to institutional investors and fund managers in the alternative assets field.
• Market Coverage: CB Insights provides a global overview with a strong emphasis on technology and startup ecosystems, ideal for those involved in venture capital and high-tech investments. Preqin’s coverage is extensive in the alternative assets sector, including private equity, hedge funds, and real estate, offering depth and breadth in these specific markets.
• Tools and Analytics: CB Insights excels in providing tools for predictive market analysis and trend tracking, which are crucial for identifying emerging tech opportunities. Preqin offers robust analytical tools focused on performance analysis, market trends, and detailed fund and investor activities within the alternative assets market.

Conclusion and Recommendation

For professionals whose primary interest lies in tracking cutting-edge technology trends, startup ecosystems, and venture capital investments, CB Insights is the recommended choice. Its predictive analytics and trend analysis tools are particularly suited for those looking to make strategic investments in rapidly evolving markets.

Alternatively, for those engaged in the management, investment, or analysis of private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and other alternative assets, Preqin is the better option. Its detailed focus on these markets provides the necessary tools and data to support investment decisions and performance assessments in the alternative assets arena.