When a startup closes, its tools get switched off and its archives deleted. In 2026 that record has become an asset. AI companies pay for the history of how a real company was built.
What’s happening
In April 2026, Gizmodo reported, citing Forbes, that wind-down firm SimpleClosure had launched a product to help startups license source code and workplace data, including Slack messages and emails. Forbes reported nearly 100 such deals in the past year, paying $10,000 to $100,000 per company. The data is used to build simulated workplaces where AI agents practice real tasks.
What a shutdown record can include
- Slack or Teams workspace history
- Email archives
- Jira, Linear or Asana tickets
- Product docs, specs and wikis
- CRM history and investor updates (with care)
Not sure if your data qualifies? The intake takes a few minutes.
Before you switch anything off
- Pause deletion. Export or keep workspaces active until you’ve checked value.
- Check retention obligations. Some records must be kept for legal or tax reasons.
- Talk to whoever handles the wind-down. Proceeds are a company asset.
- Exclude client-held data and anything under NDA.
- Get an estimate before you accept the first offer.
Licensing vs selling for a closing company
Because a closed company won’t generate new data, a one-time deal can make sense. Compare terms carefully anyway. See licensing vs selling.
The privacy concern
Former employees’ messages are part of the record. In the same Gizmodo report, Marc Rotenberg of the Center for AI and Digital Policy said, “I think the privacy issues here are quite substantial.” Insist on strong anonymization and exclude DMs and personal channels.
Where to start
Polyshares states it accepts any company with real operating history, charges no fee, and makes offers within one to two weeks. That timing matters during a wind-down. Read our Polyshares review.
Frequently asked questions
Should I delete our Slack before shutting down?
Not until you’ve checked whether the record has value and confirmed your legal retention obligations. Deleted archives can’t be licensed.
Who gets the money from a shutdown data deal?
It is a company asset, so proceeds generally go through the wind-down and creditor or investor waterfall. Your lawyer handling the dissolution should advise.
Can a startup with under 30 employees license its data?
Yes. Polyshares states any company with real operating history can apply. micro1’s data partnerships program states it targets 30+ employees.