Each programme runs roughly the same stages: apply, get reviewed, agree scope and terms, transfer or connect the data, then get paid. The published timing differs. micro1 approves data within 30 days of transfer and pays within 30 days of invoice. Mode says about three months from first conversation to payment. Mercor says it pays by wire typically within 2–4 weeks of signing.
5
stages every programme follows
30 + 30
days: micro1 after transfer
~3 months
Mode, start to payment
2–4 weeks
Mercor, signing to payment
01The five stages
Apply. Tell the programme your size, systems and history. micro1 asks for a data manifest; Mode for your business and systems; Mercor for your business type.
Review. The programme checks fit. micro1's review includes an AI interview and a partnership call.
Scope and terms. You agree what's included, the price and the licence terms. Have your lawyer read them.
Transfer or connect. micro1: you transfer the agreed data. Mode: your team signs in to approved systems and Mode manages the export. Mercor: you link your tools and its pipeline extracts.
Approval and payment. Each programme publishes its own trigger and timing, below.
02micro1
micro1’s published timing, checked 30 October 2026. Earlier steps have no published timeframe.
micro1 has 30 days to review and approve the data after transfer; you then invoice and are paid within 30 days. It publishes no timeline for the earlier stages.
03Mode
Mode’s published process, checked 30 October 2026. The agreement sets the payment schedule.
Mode says it generally expects about three months from first conversation through payment, with milestones in writing.
04Mercor
Mercor’s published timing, checked 30 October 2026.
Mercor says it pays by wire when the anonymised dataset is delivered, typically within 2–4 weeks of the signed agreement.
05What slows it down
Not knowing what you have. A data inventory before you apply saves weeks.
Client contracts that need checking or client agreement.
Contract negotiation on use, exclusivity and deletion. Know your questions in advance.
06Check whether you're likely to match
Our free fit check asks about your size, location, records and tools, then shows which programmes you're likely to match. The programme decides.
07Questions people ask
How long does it take to license company data?
Mercor publishes the fastest timing (2–4 weeks from signing to payment), Mode about three months overall, and micro1 30 days to approve plus 30 days from invoice after transfer.
Do I have to do the technical work?
Less than you might think. Mode manages export and filtering; Mercor connects to your tools; micro1 has you transfer agreed data. All de-identify.
