Handshake AI vs Mode
Both pay companies for internal business records used to train AI. The main differences on their published terms are below; the real answer comes from putting both offers side by side.
Key differences
- They pay differently: Handshake AI: priced after scoping: no figure until your records are reviewed; Mode: pays a one-time amount for your records.
- Size rules differ: Handshake AI — 20+ employees, 3+ years; Mode — 50+ employees.
- Published ranges: Handshake AI $100K–$4M, Mode $100K–$5M (each buyer's own figure, not an offer).
Side by side
| Handshake AI | Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Priced after scoping: no figure until your records are reviewed | Pays a one-time amount for your records |
| Who qualifies | 20+ employees, 3+ years | 50+ employees |
| Accepts | operating | operating |
| How it pays | unknown: Handshake describes licensing the data; it does not state lump sum versus ongoing payments on the page. | upfront: Mode buys the agreed copy directly; the written agreement sets the amount and payment schedule before export. |
| Published range | Handshake's own headline figure: companies can earn $100K to $4M+ depending on the data shared. The current page does not call this an estimate or say how it is set; it is not an offer. Source: joinhandshake.com, as of October 2026. | Mode's own headline figure is $100K to $5M; its calculator is labeled indicative and illustrative, not a guaranteed offer. Not an offer. Source: data.mode.inc, as of October 2026. |
| When it pays | Not published | Mode says it generally expects about three months from first conversation to payment, depending on scope, rights review, contracting and export. |
| Exclusivity | not stated | varies (set in the written agreement) |
| Data handling | The company decides which records are included and which sensitive information is left out. Handshake explains who will access and prepare the data, including any de-identification needed, and the company reviews who may receive it, how it may be used and the safeguards before committing. The referral page says all data is scoped, de-identified and kept confidential. | The company's team signs in to approved systems (no passwords handed over) and Mode exports the agreed systems and date ranges into a secure workspace. Mode removes sensitive material and removes or transforms personal identifiers before onward delivery. AI developers do not get unfiltered records. Originals stay with the company. |
| Good fit if | You have 20+ full-time staff, at least three years of operating history, and want the buyer to prepare the data; Handshake says all data is scoped and de-identified. | You run a business or nonprofit in the U.S., Canada, UK or Australia with 50+ employees (15+ for accounting, finance or medical firms, 10+ for law firms) and several years of records in common workplace tools. |
You can apply to both at once. Nothing you submit commits you, and two offers make it easier to judge either one. See comparing offers.
Apply to Handshake AI Apply to Mode
Handshake AI: We may be paid: this buyer pays us a referral fee if a company we sent signs. You pay us nothing. Among buyers that fit your answers, buyers that pay us are shown first.
Mode: We may be paid: this buyer pays us a referral fee if a company we sent signs. You pay us nothing. Among buyers that fit your answers, buyers that pay us are shown first.
Sources
- Handshake AI - Data partnerships, accessed 2026-10-25
- Handshake AI - Refer a company, accessed 2026-10-25
- Mode Data - Company data partnerships, accessed 2026-10-25
- Mode Data - Referrals, accessed 2026-10-25
- Mode Data - About, accessed 2026-10-25
- Mode - Company data (ai.mode.inc), accessed 2026-10-25