Methodology

Years operating, plus independently verifiable evidence of outcomes (case studies, disclosed client counts, exits/IPOs), or a founder's own verifiable operating or exit history where the practice itself is new. We rate it 0-5 against fixed anchors, then convert that rating to weighted points.

The score measures the precision of the firm's stated ideal client. Match to any one buyer is a separate question. A hard eligibility gate (e.g. "funded Delaware C-Corp only") scores as a well-defined fit even when the niche is narrow. This is the score on the general, whole-market page. Fit on a specific industry, stage, location, or profile page is scored and sourced separately.

A firm scores highest when it publishes its own price for the executive seat, in the middle when it publishes a market range that names itself or an adjacent service price, and lowest when the firm requires a scoping call and publishes no number.

The score reflects how a client reaches the senior executive who does the work. A solo practitioner scores highest by default, then a named lead backed by a team, then a boutique team, then a pooled bench or marketplace match. We do not award an automatic maximum for solo status alone. Documented cadence and continuity count too.

Named, relevant qualifications (CPA/CFA, Big-4, prior operating roles), and the consistency of that bar across engagements. A marketplace model scores lower here because quality depends on who you are matched with.