Buyers
Who buys company data for AI?
AI labs and the data companies that supply them. They don't all want the same thing, so fit matters more than finding "the" buyer.
AI labs buy directly or through data companies that source, clean and de-identify records for them. Some want operating companies with many tools, some want specific industries, some focus on closed companies or codebases. Matching your company to the right type is most of the work.
S.01 Buyer types
Seven kinds of buyers, seven kinds of fit.
Operating-company programs
License de-identified copies of email, chat and files from companies that are still running. Best fit: offices with 30+ desk staff and five or more work tools.
Industry records buyers
Want years of records from one main operating system (TMS, ERP, practice management, field service) plus the email and chat around them.
Full-archive buyers
Look for 50+ staff, 3+ years of history and the core five: email, file storage, internal chat, CRM and accounting.
CAD and engineering buyers
License drawings, models and project files from manufacturing, engineering and design firms, as long as you own the rights.
Codebase buyers
License a worthwhile private codebase with its commit history, sometimes on its own.
Wind-down buyers
Pay for the records of companies that are closing or already closed, before the accounts are shut off and deleted.
Exit-minded licensing
One-time license income for owners who are retiring or getting ready to sell. You keep the company.
S.02 Questions to ask
What to ask any buyer before you sign.
Who de-identifies the data, and how?
You want a clear answer: which identifiers are removed, who does it, and before or after the data leaves your hands.
What exactly is licensed, and for what use?
Scope, time range, which tools, and whether use is limited to training and testing AI.
Is it exclusive?
Exclusivity can raise the price but blocks other deals. Know what you're giving up.
How and when do I get paid?
Upfront, on delivery, or in stages. Get it in writing.
What happens to the data later?
Retention, deletion and whether it can be resold or shared.
Who carries the risk?
Look at warranties and indemnities. Have counsel review them.
S.03 Red flags
Signs to walk away.
- Asks for your logins or admin access before any agreement
- Won't put de-identification steps in writing
- Pressures you to sign in days
- Vague about who ends up using the data
- Asks you to pay anything upfront
How we screen
We only refer to buyers that handle de-identification themselves, don't ask owners to pay, and let you approve every term. We never collect your data or logins, and every introduction needs your written OK.
Free match · No obligation
Find your fit.
Get paid.
Five minutes, free, and nothing goes to any buyer without your written OK.