If you're navigating complex markets, mobilizing capital, or scaling innovation, these five advisory firms bring the expertise you need. Each one offers a unique approach to market systems and private sector development.
The Market Systems Advisory Landscape
Market systems development (MSD) has evolved from a niche donor approach to a mainstream strategy for driving inclusive growth. Firms in this space help governments, development agencies, and corporations understand and reshape the systems that support markets—from regulatory frameworks to financing mechanisms. The focus is on creating sustainable change by addressing root causes, not just symptoms. As public and private capital increasingly intersect, these advisors are critical for designing interventions that are both commercially viable and socially impactful. Whether you're a non-profit seeking to engage the private sector or a corporation looking to enter emerging markets, these firms offer the strategic insight you need.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We assessed each firm on its service scope, depth of market systems expertise, and ability to deliver practical, on-the-ground solutions. We looked for a clear track record in private sector engagement, regulatory reform, and sustainable finance. We also considered how well each firm communicates its approach and whether it offers a tailored fit for different client needs. Each firm brings a distinct strength, from global implementation to boutique advisory, and we highlight what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five firms, their focus areas, and what they're best for.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| DAI | Large-scale, donor-funded market systems programs |
| Anna Gerrard Consulting | Boutique advisory for health market and regulatory strategy |
| MarketShare Associates | Blended finance and impact measurement |
| Triple Line Consulting | End-to-end PSD program design and facility structuring |
| Laes-Kushner Consulting | Educational insights and MSD capacity building |
The Firms at a Glance
#1 DAI
A screenshot of the DAI website.
DAI is a global development company with over 50 market systems projects in 42 countries since 2010. They are leaders in applying the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach, focusing on systemic change and facilitating private sector co-creation. Their work spans agriculture, finance, and health, with a strong emphasis on inclusive growth and resilience. If you need a large-scale, evidence-based market systems program, DAI's depth of experience is unmatched. They have a proven ability to mobilize private investment, as seen in Bangladesh where they facilitated $19.4 million in new private sector investment. For complex, multi-country initiatives, DAI is a reliable partner.
#2 Anna Gerrard Consulting
A screenshot of the Anna Gerrard Consulting website.
Anna Gerrard Consulting is a boutique advisory firm that blends strategy, finance, and innovation to help corporations, non-profits, and social enterprises navigate complex markets. They offer five integrated work streams, including market systems and private sector strategy, with a strong focus on health markets and regulatory reform. Their hands-on experience includes designing Liberia's first Ministry of Health Private Sector Engagement Strategy and unifying global HIV strategies across 10+ USAID Missions. This firm excels at tailoring engagements to your specific context, drawing on deep expertise across markets, finance, and partnerships. If you need a nimble partner to drive impact in challenging sectors, Anna Gerrard Consulting delivers.
#3 MarketShare Associates
A screenshot of the MarketShare Associates website.
MarketShare Associates applies systems-thinking to improve market dynamics and create a more equal world. They focus on blended finance, inclusive finance, private sector engagement, and market systems development. Their strength lies in generating evidence and actionable insights to strengthen investment decisions and scale what works. They help funders and investors design and evaluate catalytic finance approaches that mobilize private capital for development impact. If you're looking for rigorous measurement and learning to improve your market interventions, MarketShare Associates is a solid choice. Their work bridges the gap between finance and market systems, making them ideal for impact investors.
#4 Triple Line Consulting
A screenshot of the Triple Line Consulting website.
Triple Line Consulting focuses on the triple imperatives of inclusive economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. They offer an end-to-end private sector development (PSD) service, from market and value chain analysis to intervention design and facility structuring. Their multidisciplinary team draws on experience across Africa, Asia, and Europe, combining global best practice with local knowledge. They help governments and development partners unlock investment and strengthen market systems to create decent jobs. If you need a partner to design climate-smart, commercially viable interventions, Triple Line's practical approach is valuable. Their work on investment frameworks and TA facilities is particularly strong.
#5 Laes-Kushner Consulting
A screenshot of the Laes-Kushner Consulting website.
Laes-Kushner Consulting is a niche firm that provides clear, practical guidance on market systems development (MSD) approaches. Their blog post on MSD is a great primer for understanding the difference between traditional private sector development and systemic approaches. They focus on improving the supporting functions and rules of the game that enable markets to function effectively. If you're new to MSD or need a refresher on the core concepts, their insights are accessible and actionable. They are best for organizations looking to build internal capacity or understand the fundamentals before diving into complex programs. Their expertise is in demystifying MSD for a broader audience.
How to Choose the Right Advisory Partner
Start by defining your organization's specific challenge—are you looking to enter a new market, reform regulations, or mobilize private capital? Consider the scale of your project: DAI is ideal for large, multi-country programs, while Anna Gerrard Consulting offers a more tailored, boutique approach. If your focus is on finance and investment, MarketShare Associates brings deep expertise in blended finance. For end-to-end program design, Triple Line Consulting offers a comprehensive suite of services. And if you're just starting to explore MSD, Laes-Kushner Consulting provides valuable educational resources. Match the firm's strengths to your needs, and don't hesitate to reach out for initial consultations.
Streamlining Your Search with Automation
To quickly identify potential advisory partners, you can use a simple automation workflow. Start by scraping the websites of firms in your niche to gather their service descriptions and case studies. Use a keyword extraction tool to identify common themes like 'market systems' or 'private sector engagement'. Then, use a spreadsheet to compare their focus areas and client types. Finally, set up email alerts for new blog posts or publications from these firms to stay updated on their latest work. This approach saves time and ensures you don't miss any emerging players.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right market systems advisor can make or break your initiative. Each of these five firms brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Whether you need global scale, boutique agility, or deep financial expertise, there's a partner here for you. Take the time to evaluate your needs, reach out to a few of these firms, and find the one that aligns with your mission. The right partnership will help you shape markets, mobilize capital, and drive lasting impact.