> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opendatabay.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opendatabay.com/marketplace/how-opendatabay-works.md). # How Opendatabay Works Opendatabay is infrastructure for legal AI training data, connecting AI demand with verified data supply. ## How Opendatabay Works Opendatabay is **infrastructure for legal AI training data**. We connect AI companies with verified data providers, helping buyers discover, source and license data for AI training, fine-tuning, evaluation and other AI applications. When the data already exists, we help buyers find it. When a required dataset is not currently available, we help source bespoke data requirements.
*** ### The Problem AI companies increasingly need proprietary, legally licensed data for training, fine-tuning, evaluation and AI applications. But the data they need is often: * difficult to discover * fragmented across providers * unclear in provenance * difficult to license * unavailable as an existing product * expensive and slow to source Opendatabay brings the supply and demand sides together. *** ## How It Works ### For Data Buyers (AI Developers, LLM Teams, Enterprise Buyers) #### 1. Discover Search the marketplace or submit a specific data requirement. Buyers can discover: * Existing off-the-shelf datasets * Licensed AI training data products * Domain-specific datasets * Bespoke data requirements #### 2. Evaluate Review: * Dataset metadata * Samples and previews * Licensing terms * Provenance information * Quality information * Delivery options #### 3. Source Purchase existing datasets or request Opendatabay to source data requirements from verified providers. For complex requirements, Opendatabay may work with multiple suitable providers to identify the best available supply. #### 4. License Acquire the rights required for the intended AI use, including training, fine-tuning, evaluation and commercial AI applications where permitted by the applicable licence. *** ## For Data Providers (Sellers) ### 1. List Dataset Providers can list data products with: * Dataset descriptions * Metadata * Samples or previews * Licensing information * Pricing information Opendatabay does not require providers to upload or transfer the underlying dataset to list a product. *** ### 2. Maintain Control of Your Data Opendatabay is a marketplace and commercial brokerage platform, not a data warehouse. Providers retain control and custody of their underlying datasets. For marketplace discovery, Opendatabay typically works with: * Dataset metadata * Product descriptions * Licensing information * Samples or previews Opendatabay does not need to receive, store, copy or redistribute the underlying dataset. *** ### 3. Direct Delivery to Buyers When a transaction takes place, the Data Provider can deliver the dataset directly to the approved customer environment. Examples include: * Customer cloud storage * Approved S3 buckets * Secure data environments * Other agreed delivery methods Opendatabay can facilitate the commercial transaction and licensing process without taking custody of the underlying data. This allows providers to access new AI buyers while maintaining control over their intellectual property and data assets. *** ### 4. Get Paid Providers receive payment after completed transactions, less the applicable Opendatabay platform fee. Opendatabay applies a transparent commission structure based on the transaction value. *** ## Where Opendatabay Sits Opendatabay sits between **AI demand and data supply**. **AI Labs / Enterprises** ↓ **Opendatabay** ↓ **Verified Data Providers** The supply chain may also include other organisations such as: * Procurement partners * Data companies * Data collection companies * Labelling companies * Other approved intermediaries Opendatabay operates as the marketplace and commercial brokerage layer connecting demand with suitable supply. *** ## What Makes Opendatabay Different ### Demand Intelligence We see what AI companies search for, request, sample and buy. This creates a demand signal that helps identify which datasets are needed by the market. ### Trust Infrastructure Provider verification, provenance analysis and dataset trust scoring help buyers evaluate data before licensing. ### Marketplace + Brokerage Opendatabay combines marketplace discovery with commercial sourcing. Buyers can discover existing products or submit requirements for data that is not currently listed. ### Provider-Controlled Delivery Unlike platforms that require providers to transfer their datasets into third-party systems, Opendatabay does not need custody of the underlying data. Providers remain in control of their datasets. Opendatabay works with the information required for discovery and evaluation, while the actual data delivery can happen directly between the provider and approved buyer. ### Multiple Supply Sources A single requirement may be fulfilled by one provider or multiple providers. Opendatabay can compare and coordinate suitable supply across its verified provider network. ### Legal AI Data Our focus is licensed data with clear rights for AI use rather than scraped or unclear-provenance datasets. *** ## The Opendatabay Marketplace Flow **AI company searches for data** ↓ **Requirement submitted or discovered** ↓ **Opendatabay identifies suitable providers** ↓ **Data availability, licensing and pricing evaluated** ↓ **Commercial agreement completed** ↓ **Provider delivers data directly to approved buyer environment** ↓ **AI company receives licensed data** *** ### Who Benefits | Role | Benefit | | ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **AI Companies & Labs** | Discover and license verified training data for AI development | | **Enterprise AI Teams** | Source legally licensed data with clearer provenance and usage rights | | **Data Providers** | Reach new AI customers while retaining control of their underlying data | | **Data Companies & Brokers** | Access additional commercial opportunities through a trusted marketplace channel | | **AI Engineers & Researchers** | Find domain-specific datasets for model training, evaluation and experimentation | *** ## Our Mission We are building the infrastructure that connects **AI demand with the world's data supply**. Our goal is to make discovering, sourcing, verifying and licensing AI training data faster, safer and more accessible. Opendatabay is building the marketplace infrastructure for the next generation of AI data.