The Rise of Private Data Providers: A New Era in Economic Intelligence

The U.S. economic data landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. For decades, institutions like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) have been the gold standard for tracking the nation's economic health. But in 2025, trust in these official metrics is eroding. Surveys show that 61% of Americans now view the federal government as wasteful, while political rhetoric and methodological changes—such as the Trump administration's push to exclude government spending from GDP calculations—have further muddied the waters. This crisis of confidence has created a vacuum, and private-sector data providers are stepping in with innovative tools to fill it.

The Decline of Official Data and the Rise of Alternatives

The erosion of trust in official statistics is not merely a political talking point. It is rooted in tangible challenges: shrinking budgets for federal agencies, declining survey response rates, and the disbanding of advisory committees that once ensured methodological rigor. For example, the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee, which included experts like former BLS commissioner Erica Groshen, was dissolved in 2024 with little explanation. Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's proposal to reframe GDP calculations has raised alarms about potential political interference.

These developments have left investors, policymakers, and businesses scrambling for reliable data. Enter private-sector platforms like PitchBook, CB Insights, and Grata, which are leveraging AI, machine learning, and proprietary datasets to deliver real-time insights into private markets. These firms are not just competing with government data—they are redefining what economic intelligence looks like in the 21st century.

The Gold Rush in Private Data Innovation

The private data sector is experiencing explosive growth. Platforms like PitchBook and Crunchbase Pro now offer granular insights into venture capital, private equity, and M&A activity, including predictive analytics on company valuations and market trends. CB Insights, for instance, uses AI to forecast the success potential of startups, while Grata employs web-crawling algorithms to identify hard-to-find companies for deal sourcing.

This innovation is not limited to data collection. Firms like Dakota Research and SourceScrub are streamlining due diligence by aggregating fragmented private fund data and providing CRM tools tailored for investors. Meanwhile, Owler and Cyndx offer competitive intelligence on over 20 million companies, mapping out industry ecosystems and identifying untapped opportunities.

The result? A new class of data providers is emerging as critical infrastructure for the global economy. These platforms are not just tools—they are gatekeepers of trust in an era of uncertainty.

Investment Opportunities in the Private Data Sector

For investors, the rise of private data providers presents a compelling opportunity. The sector is attracting capital from both traditional and alternative investors, with valuations rising as demand for accurate, timely data grows.

1. PitchBook (Private): A leader in private market intelligence, PitchBook's proprietary datasets and analytical tools are in high demand among institutional investors. Its recent expansion into predictive analytics and fund manager scoring positions it to capitalize on the growing need for data-driven decision-making.
2. CB Insights (Private): With its AI-powered predictive models, CB Insights is a key player in the innovation economy. Its ability to identify emerging trends and assess company success potential makes it a must-watch for venture capital and private equity firms.
3. Grata (Private): Grata's AI-driven deal-sourcing capabilities are revolutionizing how private equity and venture capital firms discover targets. Its focus on automation and scalability could drive rapid adoption in a market hungry for efficiency.
4. Bloomberg (Public): While not a pure-play private data provider, Bloomberg's integration of private market solutions into its platform underscores the sector's importance. reflects its resilience and growth in this space.

The Risks and the Road Ahead

Despite the sector's promise, risks remain. Smaller platforms like Cyndx and Dealroom.co face challenges with data accuracy and outdated contact information. Additionally, the sector's reliance on AI raises concerns about algorithmic bias and data privacy. Investors must carefully evaluate each provider's methodology, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

However, the broader trend is clear: the demand for independent, high-quality data is outpacing the capacity of government agencies. As the American Statistical Association warns, the U.S. statistical system is at a “critical juncture.” Private providers are stepping into this void, and those that adapt to the evolving needs of investors and policymakers will thrive.

Conclusion: A New Era of Economic Intelligence

The decline in trust in official U.S. statistics is not a crisis—it's an opportunity. Private data providers are building the tools that will define the next era of economic intelligence, offering investors a way to navigate uncertainty with precision and confidence. For those willing to look beyond traditional metrics, the rise of these platforms represents a gold rush worth pursuing.

In a world where data is the new oil, the winners will be those who can refine it into actionable insights. The private data sector is leading the charge—and the best is yet to come.