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SourceScrub vs DealsByTed

SourceScrub gives you a database of companies to search. DealsByTed gives you scored, thesis-matched leads delivered daily — no searching required.

Feature-by-Feature

FeatureSourceScrubDealsByTed
What it isCompany database and enrichment platformAI-powered deal sourcing agent that finds and scores targets for you
How it worksYou search, filter, and build lists manuallyAI learns your thesis and delivers scored matches to your inbox daily
Thesis matchingKeyword and filter-based searchCustom AI model trained on 20+ criteria specific to your buy box
Time investmentHours per week running searches and reviewing resultsMinutes per day reviewing pre-scored, ranked leads
Data freshnessUpdated periodically as database is refreshedContinuously scanning and scoring new targets
OutputRaw company records — you decide relevanceScored leads with match rationale and contact info
Roll-up supportGeneric filters, not built for roll-up strategiesPurpose-built for PE roll-ups, search funds, and platform add-ons

Where SourceScrub Wins

Self-serve exploration

SourceScrub lets you freely explore their database and run ad hoc searches. Great for early-stage thesis development when you are still defining your criteria.

Breadth of data

Large database of companies with firmographic and event-based data points. Useful if you need raw data for multiple use cases beyond deal sourcing.

Lower price point

Database subscriptions can be more affordable for teams that have the internal capacity to do manual screening and outreach.

Where DealsByTed Wins

No searching required

SourceScrub requires you to build queries and review raw results. Ted does the searching, filtering, and scoring for you — you just review matches.

Thesis-personalized scoring

Every lead is scored against your specific acquisition criteria, not generic filters. Ted learns what matters to your strategy.

Daily delivery to your inbox

No platform to log into. Scored leads arrive in your inbox every morning, ready to review in minutes.

Built for acquirers, not researchers

Ted is built specifically for PE firms, search funds, and independent sponsors executing roll-up strategies — not general company research.

Cost Comparison

SourceScrub

Database subscription$20K-$50K/yr
+ Hidden costsInternal analyst time: 10-20 hrs/week to search, screen, and qualify ($50K-$100K/yr equivalent)
Total annual cost$70K-$150K/yr (subscription + analyst time)

DealsByTed

Full service$36K-$90K/yr
Hidden costs$0
Total annual cost$36K-$90K/yr
Estimated savings: Lower total cost with no internal screening overhead — and better-matched leads

Choose SourceScrub If...

  • You are still defining your acquisition thesis and want to explore broadly
  • You have internal analysts with time to run searches and screen companies
  • You need a general company database for research beyond deal sourcing

Choose DealsByTed If...

  • You have a defined thesis and want leads delivered, not another tool to operate
  • You value your time and want AI to do the screening work
  • You are executing a roll-up strategy and need consistent, thesis-matched pipeline
  • You want scored leads with rationale — not raw company records to sift through

See the difference for yourself.

Schedule a call and we will walk through your specific thesis.