Dataset documentation describes what a dataset contains, where it came from, what rights attach and how it was prepared. AI buyers require it before any purchase.
What documentation covers
- Contents. What records exist, in what formats, covering what period.
- Origins. Which systems produced the data, and how.
- Rights. Who holds authority, what consent exists, what uses are permitted.
- Preparation. How the data was anonymized and structured.
Why buyers require it
- Legal review. Buyers' legal teams need documented rights before signing (Reuters legal coverage).
- Technical planning. Engineers need to know formats and coverage before integration.
- Accountability. Documentation makes claims about the data checkable.
How SourceX handles it
Documentation is part of the preparation step in every SourceX transaction — companies do not produce it themselves.
What this means for partners
Introduce a qualifying company — typically 50+ full-time employees at peak — and SourceX handles documentation onward. If a deal closes and SourceX collects its fee, you earn 25% of that fee, up to $100,000 per company.
Refer a company · How rewards work
Common questions
What is dataset documentation?
Dataset documentation describes what a dataset contains, its origin, associated rights, and how it was prepared. AI buyers require this information before any data purchase, making it essential for transactions.
Why do AI labs and data buyers need dataset documentation?
AI labs and data buyers need dataset documentation for legal review, ensuring rights are clear before signing. It also aids technical planning for engineers and provides accountability by making claims about the data checkable.
What information does dataset documentation cover?
Dataset documentation covers the contents (records, formats, period), origins (systems, production methods), rights (authority, consent, permitted uses), and preparation (anonymization, structuring) of the data. This comprehensive overview is crucial for buyers.
How can partners earn rewards with SourceX for data documentation?
Partners introduce qualifying companies, typically with 50+ full-time employees, and SourceX handles the documentation process. If a deal closes and SourceX collects its fee, partners earn 25% of that fee, up to $100,000 per company.
