ShareVault is a real platform with a real niche. Its click trail analytics are detailed, its watermarking is strong, and life sciences and IP licensing teams get features built for them. Its pricing is quote based across three tiers, Express, Pro, and Enterprise, and by its own description is priced on data volume (GB) and project duration. Typical annual costs run $4,000 to $20,000 depending on tier and usage.
That model is exactly backwards for sell side M&A. Deal document sets grow through diligence and deals run long, so pricing on gigabytes and months means the bill rises precisely when the process gets hard. Advisors who bill VDR cost through to clients feel it worst.
Why firms look at ShareVault alternatives
- GB and duration based pricing. A data room that grows, or a deal that extends, raises the bill. Sell side processes reliably do both.
- Per vault economics. Running several concurrent mandates means several vaults. A flat unlimited year removes the meter.
- M&A is not the center of gravity. ShareVault leads with life sciences and IP licensing. Sell side workflow (buyer groups, staged permissions, banker templates) is not what it optimizes for.
ShareVault vs LockRoom
| Feature | ShareVault | LockRoom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Quote based, priced on GB + duration | Published flat: $6,000/yr unlimited, $375/mo single room |
| Typical annual cost | $4,000 - $20,000 by tier and usage | $6,000 unlimited, all in |
| Published pricing | No | Yes |
| Storage | Metered (GB based) | Unlimited |
| Multiple concurrent deals | Per vault | Unlimited rooms on the annual plan |
| Audit log export (PDF/CSV) | Yes | Yes, supports SEC 17a-4 / FINRA 4511 retention, 7 year archival |
| White labeling | Plan dependent | Included |
| Free trial | Demo led | 14 days, full access |
| Setup | Sales assisted | Under 5 minutes, self serve |
| Support | Support team | Founder direct |
Where ShareVault still wins
- Life sciences and IP licensing. Purpose built features for those verticals, where it is a defensible first choice.
- Click trail analytics. Detailed per document engagement tracking.
- Timed access expiration and visitor specific dynamic watermarks.
How switching actually works
The right time to switch is between deals, not mid deal. Export your documents, drag the folder tree into a new LockRoom room (structure is preserved), invite buyer groups by email, and set permissions before anyone enters. A room is live in under 5 minutes, and the 14 day trial means you can run the evaluation on a real deal setup before paying anything.
Run the numbers on your own deal volume
Use the live cost calculator on our comparison page, or start a free 14 day trial and set up a real room in 5 minutes.