Platforms for Freelance Consulting Projects?

Hi,

I do have positive experiences with Toptal and Catalant. Other platforms I have heard about are Braintrust and Expert360.

Good luck!

Mattijs

Hi there,

There are several solid platforms, especially if you're focusing on Europe/DACH:

• Comatch: One of the top platforms for independent consultants in Europe, strong presence in DACH.
• Talmix: Global platform with a range of projects, including strategy and operations.
• Catalant: More US-focused but does have opportunities in Europe.
• Movemeon: Focuses on ex-consultants, with many projects in Europe.
• Expertpowerhouse: A good option for high-level strategy projects, particularly in DACH.

Alternatively, consider expert networks like GLG, AlphaSights, Third Bridge, etc. This mainly works if you have additional industry experience on top of your consulting stint, but they pay hourly rates of 600-1k depending on your experience so it can be a nice side income.

Beyond platforms, networking is key. Go through your past consulting network, LinkedIn, and industry connections to source direct projects, which often pay better than platform-based work.

Hope this helps!

Hey there 😊,

Going independent as a consultant is an exciting step! After doing some research and speaking to people in the freelance consulting space, here are some of the best platforms to source projects, with a focus on Europe and DACH:

1️⃣ Global & High-End Consulting Platforms

✅ Catalant – Well-known for strategy and operations consulting projects, often used by corporates.
✅ Talmix – Strong in the UK & Europe, connects consultants with companies for high-level strategy work.
✅ COMATCH – One of the top platforms for independent consultants in DACH, now part of Malt.
✅ Malt – A growing freelancer marketplace, including consulting, digital strategy, and business transformation.
✅ ExpertPowerhouse – A great DACH-focused platform for former consultants to find premium freelance gigs.
✅ Eden McCallum & Keystone – Boutique consulting networks that staff freelancers on strategy projects.

2️⃣ Specialized & Niche Consulting Networks

✅ GLG / Guidepoint / AlphaSights – More focused on expert network calls, but can lead to short-term advisory work.
✅ Business Talent Group (BTG) – High-end consulting projects, often working with large corporates and PE firms.
✅ Bluetrain.io – Emerging in Europe, offering freelance strategy consulting opportunities.

3️⃣ Freelance Marketplaces with Consulting Work

✅ Upwork – More competitive, but some good consulting gigs in operations, strategy, and digital transformation.
✅ Kolabtree – Great for data-driven consulting and research-based projects, especially in life sciences & tech.
✅ Outsized – Popular for independent consultants in Europe, specializing in financial services, digital, and operations.

4️⃣ DACH-Specific Platforms

✅ Consultport – A Germany-based consulting marketplace for independent professionals.
✅ Flexperto & Berater.de – German-speaking consulting networks, ideal for freelancers in strategy, finance, and operations.
✅ Expertence – A high-end executive & consulting platform targeting DACH & European markets.

5️⃣ Direct Networking & Boutique Firms

• Many boutique strategy firms in Europe (e.g., Simon-Kucher, Roland Berger, or Kearney) hire freelancers for short-term projects.
• LinkedIn & former colleagues can also be a great source for projects—many companies prefer referrals over platforms.

Final Thoughts

If you're focused on high-end strategy projects in Europe/DACH, start with COMATCH, Malt, ExpertPowerhouse, and Consultport. If you're open to more global work, Catalant, Talmix, and Business Talent Group are great options.

Let me know if you need help narrowing down your approach! Best, Alessa 😇