The three models compared
| Model | How you earn | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Internal use | Lower costs, better pricing and products | Analytics and data teams |
| Data products and feeds | Subscriptions or per-use fees from other companies | A product, sales, support and ongoing delivery |
| Licensing to AI companies | A licence fee, usually one-off, for a copy of past records | De-identification, a contract and a single delivery |
Why AI licensing is different
Traditional data monetization sells current data, such as prices, transactions or location, to buyers who use it every day. AI developers want something else: years of records that show how skilled work was done, such as drawings, tickets, inspection reports and code. That history often has no other buyer. See what data AI companies buy.
How to choose
- You hold fresh, frequently updated data that others use to make decisions: a data product may fit.
- You hold deep archives of expert work that nobody else has: AI licensing may fit.
- You want no ongoing commitment: a one-off AI licence is the lightest option.
To see what your records could be worth, read how much company data is worth.
Risks to manage
- Personal and customer data: remove or de-identify it.
- Contracts: customer agreements can restrict what you share.
- Competitive exposure: scope out trade secrets.
- Reputation: decide in advance whether a buyer may name you.
See how to prepare records for licensing, or take the free two-minute check.
Frequently asked questions
Is selling data legal for a business?
Generally yes, for data the company owns and has the right to share, once personal information is removed or a legal basis exists. Contracts and sector rules can add limits.
Do we sell the data or license it?
Most AI deals are licences: the buyer gets limited rights to a copy, and you keep ownership of the originals.
How small can a company be?
Some programs publish minimums of 20–40 employees, but specialist records from a smaller firm can still qualify.