MergerLinks

Idea

Introduction

MergerLinks is the platform where global dealmakers can identify and connect with transaction counterparts based on their credentials and relationships.

We collate public and proprietary transactions data and structure it into a powerful information tool.

We create an ecosystem where clients can access advisory services easily and quickly by identifying and contacting individuals with the right skillset and network required to complete a transaction successfully.

We deliver insight into a hugely opaque world of M&A, enabling dealmakers to use a data-driven approach to promote themselves and allow them the opportunity to connect with potential clients.

We are looking to commercialise our data by offering subscriptions to our transactions database, search and connectivity tools, paid promotional opportunities, and research covering benchmarking and competitor’s analysis.

Intended impact

As M&A professionals, we know that relationships and credentials are two of the most important reasons why a client would hire a deal advisor. As we understand, clients had historically no access to structured data to identify the best people for the job.

We believe that traditional financial data providers offer poor user experience, deliver no people level insights and are hugely expensive, leaving a large share of the market underserved.

MergerLinks is developing a data-driven market place where clients can access services and advisors gain an opportunity to turn successful track record into a new business. We bring together executives, investors, and advisers wishing to explore capital market transactions and match them with an A-list of credentialised partners best suited to help them get the deal done.

While we currently focus on the global M&A fee market worth c.$28bn per year. We feel there is a similar gap in the market for our service in debt & equity financing, restructuring, and real estate, jointly worth over $52bn that we will be looking to cover in the future.

Substantial accomplishments to date

Monetisation strategy

Majority of MergerLinks revenue will come from selling B2B subscriptions to a range of data and connectivity tools.

We will also monetize the audience of our platform by offering paid promotional activities to advisory firms.

We are aiming to start selling premium services as of Q3 2019, which will include:

INFORM - M&A transaction data, including advanced search functions and export tools, allowing unconstrained data analytics.

CONNECT – the ability to identify and connect with relevant M&A professionals.

PROMOTE – functionalities raising the profile of specific M&A firm or professional within an important group of potential clients.

Use of proceeds

The investment proceeds will be used to:

1. Market our premium subscriptions, including upselling our 30+ Content Partners and converting a current pipeline of 80+ leading institutions into Content Partners and subsequently paying subscribers.

2. Build the network of content distribution partners, including financial press and other service providers catering to the same user base.

3. Build Customer Success function; managing premium subscribers enquires and upselling.

Founder Loan

The Company currently has an interest-free founder loan of £12,750 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the founder in the Company's first investment round. There is no loan agreement place and no set repayment date for the loan.

Funds raised in this round will not be used to repay the loan.