AI data labeler Handshake buys Cleanlab, an acquisition target of multiple others

Handshake, an AI data labeling startup valued at $3.3 billion, has acquired Cleanlab in an acquihire deal focused on bringing nine key researchers to its team. Cleanlab, which raised $30 million, developed algorithms to automatically flag incorrect data labels without human review. The acquisition aims to improve data quality for AI model training by combining Handshake's human labeling platform with Cleanlab's automated auditing expertise. Cleanlab's MIT PhD co-founders chose Handshake over other suitors because competing data labeling companies already use Handshake's platform to source domain experts.