Firmex Data Room Review: Features, Security, and Advantages

firmex logo
Capterra:
4.8
G2:
4.6
Software Advice:
4.8

In this Firmex data room review, we explore the platform’s features, security measures, and user experience, which make this solution a leading choice for secure document management. We also examine the pros and cons to help potential users make an informed decision.

What is Firmex data room?

Firmex virtual data room is a secure online platform for sharing confidential documents during high-stakes business processes. It allows organizations to exchange sensitive information, protect data storage, and streamline collaboration. In addition to security and collaboration tools, the VDR offers an intuitive interface, transparent pricing, and dependable customer support.

Now, Firmex is one of the most trusted names in the industry. It serves over 250,000 users and supports more than 20,000 new projects a year with millions of documents exchanged for business-critical activities.

The solution is widely used across investment banking, legal services, private equity, mining, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Common use cases include sell-side and buy-side mergers and acquisitions, licensing, financing, restructuring, and client extranets.

What are the key features of Firmex VDR?

Before exploring Firmex’s security tools below, check the productivity and collaboration tools Firmex offers. These features help teams work faster, stay organized, and manage complex projects hassle-free.

The following is a quick breakdown of what Firmex offers and why it matters:

FeatureWhat you can doBest for
Unlimited projectsManage as many projects as you need under one subscription.Handling multiple deals or transactions throughout the year.
Instant setupLaunch new projects quickly by uploading entire folder structures or replicating your previous projects.Tight deal timelines or repeated deal workflows.
Easy uploadsAdd large files up to 50 GB via drag-and-drop or email.Due diligence, where large document volumes are standard.
Automatic indexingSort all files into a clear, logical folder structure with one click.Simplifying document navigation.
Detailed reports and analyticsTrack document views, downloads, and user activity.Monitoring buyer interest and preparing a strategy for M&A deals.
Email inUpload files remotely by emailing them to the data room.Sharing documents securely without login barriers.
View asPreview the data room from any user’s perspective to check permissions.Ensuring sensitive documents are only accessible to the right people.
Q&A moduleHandle and assign questions from investors, buyers, and other stakeholders efficiently.Speeding up communication during due diligence and keeping all queries in one place.

These features make Firmex a reliable workspace for managing deals, keeping everyone on the same page, and moving projects forward efficiently.

The advantages and disadvantages of Firmex data room

According to user reviews on Capterra and G2, the platform is a reliable virtual data room solution, particularly praised for its ease of use, strong security, and helpful customer support. At the same time, some areas could benefit from improved usability and modern updates.

ProsCons
  • The responsiveness of the 24/7 support team
  • Strong data protection with granular access controls
  • Ease of use even for teams unfamiliar with data rooms
  • Good value for money for small and large deals
  • Bulk uploading, real-time sharing
  • The UI could be more modern and visually appealing
  • Drag-and-drop quirks
  • Difficult to locate certain admin features
  • Upload stalls and slow loading times in larger projects

While not without a few usability challenges, the platform’s advantages often outweigh its drawbacks, especially for teams who need data protection and responsive service.

What are the security features of Firmex?

Firmex employs a layered approach to security, combining advanced technologies, detailed user controls, and rigorous compliance standards. Below are the key features organized into three primary categories:

1. Document-level security

Firmex places document protection at the core of its security model, offering tools to monitor, control, and restrict access.

  • Customizable permissions. Define who can view, download, print, or share each document and for how long.
  • Digital rights management (DRM). Disable saving, printing, copying, and sharing to prevent offline leaks.
  • IP and device locking. Restrict access to documents from specific computers or IP addresses.
  • Remote revocation. Revoke access to any document instantly, no matter where it resides.
  • Document expiry. Set expiration dates for sensitive files to limit exposure.
  • Redaction tools. Remove personally identifiable information (PII) in compliance with GDPR, PIPEDA, PIPA, and HIPAA before sharing externally.

2. User-level security

Granular user management features ensure that only the right people can access sensitive information.

  • IP restrictions. Limit VDR access to specific IP addresses.
  • Advanced password settings. Lock out after failed attempts, enforce password changes, and track login issues.
  • Multi-factor authentication. Add a second layer of security with one-time pins.
  • Single sign-on (SSO). Integrate with existing identity providers for secure, streamlined access.

3. Platform-level security

Firmex ensures the entire virtual data room environment is built on reliability, resilience, and compliance.

  • Activity dashboard & reporting. Track who accessed what, when, and for how long.
  • Redundant backups. Never worry about data security because it is automatically backed up across multiple secure locations in an Amazon S3 region.
  • Vulnerability scanning. Detect and respond to emerging threats with real-time scanning.
  • End-to-end encryption – Secure data at rest with AWS-KMS-managed keys and data in transit with TLS 1.3 encryption.
  • Document retention policies. Choose from three customizable options to meet security, compliance, and error mitigation needs.

4. Compliance and certifications

Firmex adheres to the highest standards in data security and privacy.

  • SOC 2 Type II certified. Annual audits confirm the secure, available, and confidential handling of data.
  • GDPR compliant. Firmex keeps data in the EU (Germany), Canada, or the U.S. (as chosen by the client).
  • HIPAA compliant. The solution meets stringent requirements for handling protected health information in the U.S.

Firmex’s multi-layered system protects documents and users and complies with international data security regulations. Therefore, it is a trusted solution for sensitive transactions.

What is Firmex pricing?

The vendor provides custom quotes based on your data requirements and project duration or volume. Firmex pricing plans are as follows:

Single Project Data RoomData Room by Subscription
Best for one-time transactionsBest for ongoing transactions
  • One project with a fixed time frame
  • One-time fee
  • 24/7/365 expert support
  • Instant setup and intuitive interface
  • Advanced document controls included
  • Unlimited projects
  • Always-on access for teams and clients
  • Annual flat fee
  • 24/7/365 expert support
  • Instant setup and intuitive interface
  • Advanced document controls included

Both Firmex data room pricing plans provide the same high-level security, user-friendly experience, and 24/7 support. They differ only in access structure and project scope.

What is Firmex customer support? 

The provider offers 24/7/365 in-house global support with an average response time of under a minute. Other support options include the following:

  • Multilingual support (English, French, German, Spanish)
  • Unlimited training sessions tailored to users, groups, or topics
  • Comprehensive Knowledge Base with tutorials, videos, and guides
  • On-demand or scheduled support for all users, not just admins
  • Full project archiving once your work is complete

Firmex support is always available via phone, chat, email, or by submitting a request.

Clientele

Some key industries and notable companies within them trusting Firmex include the following:

  • Investment banking: Alantra, EY, PwC, Raymond James
  • Corporate: Government of Canada, Roche, Sanofi
  • Biotech and pharma: Apotex, Lumena Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Reddy’s
  • Mining: ArcelorMittal, Barrick Mining Corporation, Continental Gold
  • Renewable energy: A.G.R. Group, AMP, Brookfield Renewable
  • Oil and gas: Harvest Energy, EDF Renewables, Harvest Energy
  • Legal: Butler Snow, Cripps, Fasken Martineau
  • Private equity: Industrial Partners, Blue Point Capital Partners, Manulife
  • Real estate: Colliers International, JLL, Sterling Bay

Alternatives

iDeals Logo

iDeals is a top-rated virtual data room offering ultra-secure document sharing, customizable permissions, and smart indexing for high-stakes deals.

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Intralinks Logo

Intralinks is known for enterprise-level security and AI-powered due diligence tools, making it ideal for complex mergers and regulatory processes.

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DealRoom Logo

DealRoom simplifies M&A with built-in project management, live collaboration, and automated analytics, tailored for agile deal workflows.

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FAQ

Can I use single sign-on to simplify login in Firmex? +
Yes. Firmex supports single sign-on, allowing users to access the platform easily using their existing corporate credentials for improved convenience and security.
What types of projects is Firmex best suited for? +
Firmex is suitable for mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, litigation, compliance reviews, and other projects requiring secure document sharing.

Firmex features:

Features Firmex

Industry Solutions

Bankruptcy
Biotech Licensing
Clinical Studies
Debt Financing
Document Repository
Due Diligence
Fundraising
Litigation
M&A Buy Side
M&A Sell Side
Private Equity
Restructuring
Board Portals
IPO & Exits

Files & Folders Management

File Formats Supported:
Drag & Drop Upload of Multiple Files and Folders
Export of Data Room Index to Excel
Document Version Control
Automatic Numerical Indexing of Files & Folders
Archives Upload & Extraction
Multilingual Documents Index

File Protection & Digital Rights Management

Customizable Document Watermarks
Document Access Expiry
256-Bit SSL/TLS Encryption
Granular Document Permissions
View-Only Access
Prevention of Download, Print and Copy
Remote Shredding of Documents
Secure Fence View

Data Hosting

99.9% Uptime Guarantee
SOC 2 Certified
Data Backup
ISO 27001 Certified

Access Security

Two-Factor Authentications
Granular User Permissions
Permission Groups
Access Expiration
Access Limitation by IP Address
Mobile Device Management

Accessibility & Ease Of Use

No Plugins
Scroll-Through Web-Based Document Viewer
iOS Application
User Interface Languages: English, French
Android Application
Mobile Device Interface

Search, OCR & Filters

Search by Name
Search by Content (Full Text Search)
Filtering by Parameters
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

Collaboration Features

Basic Questions & Answers Module
New Document Email Notifications
Advanced Questions & Answers Module
Secure User Messaging
Files & Folders Notes

Activity Tracking & Reporting

Tracking of All User Activity
Real-Time Audit Trail
Tracking of Document Viewing Time
Graphic Reports
Scheduled Reports (Sending to Email)

Customization

Branded User Interface
Custom Login Page
Custom User Invitation Letter
Integrations Through APIs
Custom Agreements for Accessing Data Room
Single Sign-On Integration
Customer-Managed Encryption Keys

Support & Services

Business Hours Support
24/7 Email Support
24/7 Phone & Email Support
Support Languages: English, French
Online Help Center
Live Trainings
Dedicated Project Manager
Data Room Archive on DVD or USB Drive
Translation Services

Deployment Options

Cloud (Web-Based)
On-Premise (Installed)
Multiple Datacenter Locations

Trial & Pricing

Free Trial: 14-day trial
Price: Negotiable

Company Info

Established: 2006
Locations: Canada
Employees: 83
Clients: United Mergers & Acquisitions, GCA Savvian, Davy, Kipps DeSanto, CellCentric, Labopharm, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Biodel, BioWest Therapeutics, OSI Pharmaceuticals, NuPathe, Lawson Products, RNC , First Quantum Minerals LTD., Sem Af
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