Guidepoint is an expert network,[1] providing business & government professionals with opportunities to communicate with industry and subject-matter experts to answer research questions.[2] Guidepoint clients consult with these experts over the phone, in-person at conferences, at teleconferences, at custom events and workshops, or may gather their primary research data through surveys, polls, or web-based data offerings.

Guidepoint
IndustryExpert network
Founded2003
FounderAlbert Sebag
HeadquartersNew York City, New York, U.S.

History

edit

Guidepoint was founded by Albert Sebag, who had training and experience in chemotherapeutic drug development,[3] intellectual property law and biotechnology litigation for generic pharmaceutical clients. This experience eventually led Sebag to begin a matching service for oncology patients called Clinical Advisors.[4] Launched in 2003, Clinical Advisors matched cancer patients with the clinical trial that best suited their case.[5]

As Clinical Advisors expanded their network to include expertise in additional healthcare areas, the company progressed into other industries and sectors. In 2007, the company changed its name to Guidepoint Global to reflect this expanded business model.[6] In 2009, Guidepoint Global acquired Vista Research, an expert network company that was active in Asia and had a strong network of experts in other industries such as technology and telecom.[7] from Standard & Poor’s.[8][9]

Shortly after rebranding as Guidepoint, “the experts at finding expertise,” and premiering a new logo and website,[10] Guidepoint acquired Innosquared, a Germany-based expert network firm.”[11]

Business model

edit

Clients use Guidepoint as a resource to find answers to specific industry questions that might only be answered by industry and subject-matter experts. The company essentially operates as a matchmaking service, connecting its users to recruited experts in the field they are looking to learn more about. Experts are categorized into six main industry sectors: Healthcare; Financial and Business Services; Consumer Goods and Services; Energy and Industrials; Tech, Media, and Telecom; and Legal and Regulatory.[12]

Services are subscription-based and include hourly phone consultations, in-person events, teleconferences, surveys, custom research reports, and a monthly healthcare data offering called Guidepoint TRACKER, which features data on market share in the therapeutics and medical device sectors,[13] such as the US Breast Implant market.[14]

According to Integrity Research, Guidepoint is ranked as the second-largest expert network,[15] with a network of more than 1,000,000 experts.

Regulatory issue with insider trading

edit

In 2010, there were allegations that an expert who provided expert network services gave confidential information to a third party who traded on that information in violation of the federal securities law. That resulted in a strong regulatory focus on the industry and its investment firm clients.[16] Charges were not brought against Guidepoint. According to Integrity Research, “Although Guidepoint was mentioned in insider trading complaints, its compliance procedures protected it from accusations of wrong doing.”[17]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Vista Research Finally Finds a Home • Integrity Research". Integrity Research. 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  2. ^ "How Many Of These Expert Networks Are Being Investigated By The Feds?". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-10-02.
  3. ^ "Albert Sebag, Guidepoint Global LLC: Profile and Biography". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  4. ^ "Board of Directors". Repair the World. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  5. ^ Timmerman, Luke (2005-06-01). "More doctors consulting for Wall Street, study finds". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  6. ^ “Company Overview of Guidepoint Global, LLC.” Bloomberg Businessweek. Accessed 16 Jun 2015. http://www.investing.businessweek.wallst.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=30292548 Archived 2015-07-09 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Vista Research Finally Finds a Home • Integrity Research". Integrity Research. 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  8. ^ "McGraw-Hill sells Vista Research". Ad Age. 2009-05-27. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  9. ^ "Hedge Fund Research Firm Buys S&P Expert Network". FINalternatives. 2016-03-04. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  10. ^ "Creative Tonic Rebrands Expert Network, 'Guidepoint Global'". Logo Designer. 2015-01-12. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  11. ^ "Guidepoint Global Acquires Innosquared". FINalternatives. 2015-02-18. Archived from the original on 2015-02-18. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  12. ^ "Our Advisors". Guidepoint. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  13. ^ "Guidepoint Launches Post-Surgical Pain Management TRACKER". BioSpace. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  14. ^ Mattioli, Jonathan D. Rockoff and Dana (10 June 2014). "Bid for Allergan Puts Valeant's Research and Development Cuts Under Scrutiny". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  15. ^ "Premium Article - sign in or subscribe • Integrity Research". Integrity Research. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  16. ^ Lubin, Gus. "How Many Of These Expert Networks Are Being Investigated By The Feds?". Business Insider. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  17. ^ "Premium Article - sign in or subscribe • Integrity Research". Integrity Research. Retrieved 2023-05-26.