What data do AI labs buy?
AI labs train their models on text scraped from the public web, but public data is running out and models need real-world examples of how work actually gets done. That is what companies hold. The data AI labs buy most often:
- Standard operating procedures and internal process documentation
- Customer support tickets and resolutions
- Call recordings and transcripts
- CRM records and sales conversations
- Email archives and internal knowledge bases
- Industry-specific records (property management, logistics, insurance, staffing, and more)
The common thread: data that shows real decisions, real workflows, and real outcomes, not marketing copy. See the full list of what AI companies buy, or browse by industry.
Why AI labs pay for company data
Public web text tells a model what people say. Company data tells it what people do. A support ticket shows a real problem and a real resolution. An SOP shows how a trained team actually runs a process. This kind of data makes models better at the business tasks companies want to automate, and it cannot be scraped - it only exists inside companies. That scarcity is why AI labs pay for it.
Does your company's data qualify?
As a rule of thumb, your data qualifies if your company has 20 or more employees (10 or more for accounting firms, 6 or more for law firms) and several years of accumulated operational records. Volume matters less than authenticity: AI labs want real data from real operations. Not sure? Get in touch and we will tell you quickly.
What does a deal look like?
You license your data - you keep ownership and control. Deal structure:
- You grant a license for defined uses (for example, training and evaluating AI models)
- Deals can range from $100K up to $2M depending on the data and the buyer
- The process typically takes 20 to 60 days from first conversation to signed agreement
- Your data is anonymized and prepared before any buyer sees it
- You approve the final terms before anything is signed
More on the full journey in how it works, and what your data could be worth in the estimator.
How the process works
- Get in touch - tell us what kind of data your company holds.
- Assessment - we evaluate what your data is worth to AI labs and which buyers fit.
- Preparation - your data is anonymized and packaged to buyer standards.
- Buyer matching - we bring your data to qualified AI labs and negotiate terms.
- Agreement - you review and sign; typical timeline is 20 to 60 days end to end.
Is it legal and safe?
Yes, when done properly. Licensing your own company's operational data is legal in the US, and the process includes anonymization, review of any third-party or personal data, and a written license agreement that defines exactly how the data can be used. Read more: is selling company data legal? and how to anonymize company data.
Frequently asked questions
How much do AI labs pay for company data?
Deals can range from $100K up to $2M, depending on the type, quality, and uniqueness of the data and the buyer.
Do I lose ownership of my data?
No. You license your data for defined uses and keep ownership. You approve the terms before anything is signed.
How long does it take?
The process typically takes 20 to 60 days from first conversation to signed agreement.
What if my data contains personal information?
Data is anonymized and reviewed before any buyer sees it. Personal and third-party data is handled under a written agreement and applicable privacy law.