Inside the little-known expert network quietly training every frontier AI model | Garrett Lord (Handshake CEO)

In this episode, Garrett Lord, co-founder and CEO of Handshake, shares insights about his company, which acts as a leading platform connecting students with job opportunities, and its new pivot into the AI data labeling space. Initially, Handshake focused on creating connections for students to potential employers, and with a decade of experience and a vast network of over 20 million users, they've transitioned into offering expert data services for AI training. The conversation highlights how prior reliance on generalists for data labeling has shifted towards a demand for specialists due to the improved capabilities of AI models. Lord explains how Handshake's extensive alumni and student network provides a rich source of high-quality training data, which is now sought after by AI labs. He shares their exceptional growth trajectory, achieving $50 million in annual recurring revenue just months after launching this new venture, and discusses the strategic advantages that this model offers in a competitive landscape. Lord also emphasizes the ongoing need for human expertise in refining AI models and improving data quality, highlighting the broader implications for young people entering the job market in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The episode is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs interested in understanding the intersection of education, labor, and cutting-edge AI applications.