Your data almost always ends up at an AI lab, but you rarely sign with the lab itself. Understanding who sits in between helps you pick the right partner.
The supply chain in one picture
Your company → data partner (buys or licenses, anonymizes, packages) → AI lab (trains and evaluates models and agents)
The data partner is who you negotiate with, who pays you, and who is responsible for protecting the data.
Type 1: Direct buyers
A direct buyer is the counterparty on the deal. It licenses the data from you, pays you itself, and supplies AI labs.
- Example: Polyshares, which states: “We are the buyer. No marketplace, no listing, no auction.”
- Pros: one counterparty, a firm offer, no listing fees
- Cons: you see one price at a time
Type 2: AI data company partnership programs
Some AI data companies, which already supply expert human data to labs, run programs that license operational data from companies.
- Example: micro1 data partnerships, which states it helps companies “monetize those assets through data licensing opportunities.”
- Pros: established relationships with labs, published value tiers ($100k+ to $1M+)
- Cons: stricter eligibility (micro1 states 30+ employees, US first)
Not sure if your data qualifies? The intake takes a few minutes.
Type 3: Marketplaces and brokers
Marketplaces list your data for buyers to browse; brokers shop it around on your behalf. Wind-down specialists such as SimpleClosure have also added data licensing for startups that are closing.
- Pros: potentially more bidders
- Cons: commissions or listing fees, slower timelines, and your data may be described publicly
Compare the models in Polyshares vs data marketplaces.
How to choose
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Have 30+ employees and deep documentation | micro1 data partnerships |
| Are smaller, or have strong Slack/email/ticket history | Polyshares |
| Are shutting down | A direct buyer or wind-down service; see startup shutdown data |
| Want multiple quotes | Apply to more than one partner before signing |
Nothing stops you from getting estimates from more than one buyer. Just don’t grant overlapping exclusive rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell directly to OpenAI, Anthropic or Google?
Large labs generally source data through specialist suppliers rather than buying from individual small and mid-sized companies. Most companies work with a data partner that aggregates, anonymizes and supplies the labs.
Will I know which AI lab uses my data?
Not always. Polyshares states it does not disclose which labs take which data. If this matters to you, ask before signing.
Is a marketplace or a direct buyer better?
A direct buyer gives you one counterparty and a firm offer. A marketplace may reach more buyers but usually takes a commission and can take longer. It depends on your priorities.