PitchBook is one of the most powerful financial data and research platforms available today, offering access to private market intelligence, including venture capital, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) data. Whether you’re an investor, an entrepreneur, or a financial professional, PitchBook provides valuable insights that can guide business and investment decisions.
However, many people wonder if they can use PitchBook for free. In this article, we’ll explore whether free access is available, what alternatives exist, and how you might be able to leverage PitchBook at a lower cost.
What Is PitchBook?
PitchBook is a subscription-based financial database that provides detailed information on companies, investors, deals, market trends, and more. It is widely used by venture capitalists, private equity firms, investment bankers, and corporate professionals to gain an edge in their industry.
Some of the major features of PitchBook include:
- Comprehensive company profiles with financials, valuations, and deal histories
- Investor and fund data for venture capital and private equity
- Market trend analysis and insights
- Detailed M&A and funding transaction histories
These features make PitchBook a highly valuable tool—but also an expensive one.
Does PitchBook Offer a Free Version?
Unfortunately, PitchBook does not offer a free version of its platform. Since it is a premium service targeted at professionals in the investment and business industries, a subscription is required to access its database and reports.
However, there are a few ways to explore PitchBook before committing to a subscription:
1. Free Trial
PitchBook sometimes offers a free trial, though the availability of this trial may depend on your industry, company size, and specific needs. A free trial typically provides access to a limited version of the platform for a short period, allowing you to explore some key features.
2. Demo Sessions
If you’re interested in seeing how PitchBook works, you can request a demo. During this session, a PitchBook expert will walk you through the platform’s capabilities and show you how its database can be used for investment research or competitive analysis.
3. University and Library Access
Some universities, libraries, and research institutions offer free access to PitchBook for their students and faculty members. If you are affiliated with an academic institution, check with your library or research department to see if they provide free PitchBook access.
How Much Does PitchBook Cost?
Since PitchBook is a premium financial tool, its subscription is relatively expensive. The cost varies depending on the level of access required, the number of users, and the specific industry needs.
Although PitchBook does not publicly disclose exact pricing, reports suggest that subscriptions can range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. Custom pricing is often provided based on an organization’s needs and usage.
Are There Alternatives to PitchBook?
If you are looking for similar financial data platforms that are more affordable—or even free—there are some alternatives worth considering:
1. Crunchbase
Crunchbase provides a database of startup and investment information. While its free version is limited, paid plans are available at a much lower cost than PitchBook.
2. CB Insights
CB Insights offers private market data and analytics, similar to PitchBook, with pricing that varies based on company size and requirements.
3. PrivCo
PrivCo specializes in private company financials and market intelligence, although access is not entirely free.
4. Free Public Databases
While they do not provide as much detailed data as PitchBook, free public databases such as the SEC’s EDGAR system, government business registries, and investment reports from consulting firms can still be helpful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for high-quality private market data, PitchBook is undoubtedly one of the best platforms available. However, accessing it for free is difficult unless you qualify for a university or corporate subscription.
For those unwilling or unable to pay for PitchBook, alternative platforms and public databases may serve as useful substitutes, depending on your research needs. Before committing to a paid subscription, exploring these alternatives can help you decide whether the investment in PitchBook is truly worthwhile.
