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The AEC benchmark corpus (Deltek Clarity)

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Quick Answer

The Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Study is a genuinely citable benchmark corpus: 47th annual edition, 896 firms, FY2025, published free and formula-complete.1

What it is

One of only two corpora in this category that satisfy every condition we require — it exists, it discloses its formulas, its vintage is current, and it is free. It covers architecture and engineering firms, which upgrades the professional-services metric set from definitional to benchmark-backed.1

Operational context

What good looks like

Why It Matters

It is the counter-example that makes the rest of our position credible. We are not refusing benchmarks as a stance; we publish them where a corpus like this exists, and the reason so few pages here carry values is that so few categories have one. Worth watching: if a future edition moves behind a paywall, the professional-services tier degrades with it.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The AEC benchmark corpus (Deltek Clarity) in venture capital?

One of only two corpora in this category that satisfy every condition we require — it exists, it discloses its formulas, its vintage is current, and it is free. It covers architecture and engineering firms, which upgrades the professional-services metric set from definitional to benchmark-backed.

Why is The AEC benchmark corpus (Deltek Clarity) important for startups?

Understanding The AEC benchmark corpus (Deltek Clarity) is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.

Sources & References

  1. 1.A2-10 — Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Study, 47th annual, 896 firms, FY2025Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Study, 47th annual, 896 firms, FY2025Academic / institutional primary(The Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Study is a genuinely citable benchmark corpus: 47th annual edition, 896 firms, FY2025, published free and formula-complete.)primary · A2 · benchmark-integrity · benchmark

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