Managing deal pipelines has become tougher. Shifting markets, evolving tech, and increasing types and volumes of data make it difficult for dealmakers to not just keep up, but to also get ahead. So, with the new year just around the corner, how can dealmakers power up their pipelines now for a successful 2026?

Challenges and opportunities

Whether it's navigating global uncertainty or managing internal inefficiencies, today’s dealmakers must overcome a range of obstacles to stay competitive and close deals effectively. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

• Market volatility: Geopolitical tensions, shaky supply chains, and unpredictable financing are making it harder to find and close deals with confidence.
• Data overload: With so much information out there, it’s tough to know what’s actually useful.
• Disconnected systems: Many teams still juggle spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected platforms, which slows things down and leads to missed chances.
• Small teams, big expectations: Deal teams are leaner than ever, but the pressure to move fast and deliver results hasn’t let up.

Despite the hurdles, dealmakers have powerful tools and innovations at their fingertips that are reshaping how deals are sourced, evaluated, and executed. From AI-driven platforms to integrated workflows, these advancements are helping teams work smarter, uncover hidden opportunities, and drive better outcomes. Key opportunities include:

• Smarter sourcing with AI: Platforms like Datasite and Grata use machine learning to help teams find better deals, faster.
• Better visibility into private markets: Grata’s data gives access to over 19 million hard-to-find private companies, helping teams uncover 2-6x more opportunities and boost returns by up to 20%.
• One command center: Tools like  Datasite Pipeline let teams manage the entire deal process, from sourcing, to tracking, to managing targets, all in one secure, collaborative platform.

Survive and thrive

Datasite Pipeline is more than a pipeline tracker; it's a strategic command center for dealmakers built to help teams thrive in today’s environment:

• Centralized deal management: Say goodbye to spreadsheets. Datasite Pipeline offers a single source of truth for all deal data: contacts, financials, documents, meeting notes, and more.
• Real-time market intelligence: Powered by Grata, Datasite enriches company profiles with private market insights, helping teams evaluate targets with clarity and confidence.
• Seamless collaboration: Teams stay aligned with real-time updates powered by an Outlook add-in, customizable dashboards, and granular permissioning. Whether you're sourcing or closing, everyone’s on the same page.
• Faster execution: Move from sourcing to diligence in minutes. Datasite Pipeline integrates with Datasite Acquire, enabling rapid transitions and reducing deal cycle times by up to 40%.
• Scalable and secure: Built on a cloud-native architecture with enterprise-grade security, including ISO 42001 (the global standard for responsible AI governance), Datasite supports dealmakers across industries and geographies, including over 81k+ companies, 177k+ corporate users, 37k+ private equity users, and the top 5 global private equity firms.
  

Grata complements Datasite by offering:

• Semantic search: Go beyond databases with Grata, which scans full company websites to uncover strategic fits.
• Custom labels and notes: Track relationship status, priority, and next steps with precision.
• Exclusive mandates: Gain private access to the Grata Deal Network and market your deals to a highly qualified audience of buyers – or review active mandates and investment opportunities. 

Whatever next year may bring, ensure your deal pipeline is fully charged and ready to go. With Datasite Pipeline and Grata, dealmakers can build resilient, high-performing pipelines that thrive in uncertainty.

See it in action

Ready to power up your pipeline? Request a demo and discover how Datasite and Grata can transform your dealmaking strategy.