Pertama vs BCG: AI Consulting Compared
BCG's dedicated AI unit BCG X has built AI solutions for the world's largest companies. But their MBB pricing model isn't designed for SMBs. Here's an honest comparison.
Quick Comparison
AI Training & Advisory for SMB
Best For:
SMB needing hands-on AI training and implementation
MBB strategy consulting with BCG X AI unit
Best For:
F500 needing world-class AI strategy with BCG X implementation
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Pertama Partners | BCG |
|---|---|---|
| SMB Accessibility | Designed for SMB | Enterprise/F500 only |
| Dedicated AI Unit | AI-focused from founding | BCG X — dedicated AI/ML team |
| Government Funding Support | Full support across SEA | Not applicable |
| Hands-on Implementation | Build alongside your team | BCG X builds + strategy team advises |
| SEA Local Expertise | Deep SEA + HK focus | Global with Singapore office |
| Transparent Pricing | Published tier-based pricing | Custom MBB rates |
Who Each Firm Serves Best
- SMB with 20-500 employees
- Companies with $10K-$200K AI budgets
- First-time AI adopters in SEA
- Businesses wanting government-subsidized training
- Fortune 500 and Global 2000
- Companies with $500K+ strategy budgets
- Board-mandated AI transformation programs
- Organizations wanting BCG X's proprietary AI tools
Service Comparison
BCG excels in enterprise AI strategy with implementation via BCG X. Pertama focuses on practical SMB AI adoption.
| Service | Pertama | BCG |
|---|---|---|
| AI Strategy | ||
| AI Implementation (BCG X) | ||
| AI Training Programs | Limited | |
| Government Funding Support | ||
| Proprietary AI Platforms | ||
| CEO/Board Advisory | Growing | |
| Transparent Pricing |
Pricing Approach
Transparent, tier-based
Three tiers designed for SMB budgets with government subsidy support.
- Start for under $20K
- Government subsidies (up to 90%)
- No minimum engagement
- Scale as you grow
MBB premium rates
Top-tier consulting rates reflecting BCG brand and BCG X capabilities. Minimum engagements typically $500K+.
- Access to BCG X AI expertise
- Proprietary AI platforms and tools
- BCG brand credibility with boards
- Global benchmarking data
When to Choose Pertama
- Your AI budget is under $500K
- You need practical implementation for SMB, not Fortune 500 strategy
- You want government subsidies to offset costs
- You need a partner focused on Southeast Asia
- You prefer transparent pricing over MBB custom rates
When to Choose BCG
- You're a Fortune 500 company needing board-credible AI strategy
- You want access to BCG X's proprietary AI platforms
- Your AI budget exceeds $500K for strategic transformation
- You need global AI benchmarking and competitive intelligence
- BCG brand recognition matters for stakeholder buy-in
Frequently Asked Questions
BCG X is BCG's dedicated tech build and design unit that actually implements AI solutions, unlike traditional BCG consulting which focuses on strategy. BCG X has software engineers, data scientists, and ML specialists. It's more hands-on than traditional MBB consulting but still operates at enterprise pricing.
Yes, BCG X gives BCG stronger implementation capabilities compared to McKinsey's QuantumBlack. However, both operate at enterprise pricing. For SMBs wanting hands-on AI implementation, Pertama offers better value and accessibility.
BCG publishes excellent free AI research (BCG Henderson Institute). You can benefit from their thinking without hiring them. For implementation, Pertama translates these insights into practical SMB action at accessible price points.