Surge AI logo
AI/ML
Data/Analytics

Surge AI

Data annotation for AI models

United States· 28 roles · Remote

CORE INFO

$1B
Total Funding
2020
Founded
51-200
Team Size
San Francisco, California, United States
Headquarters

Surge AI specializes in providing high-quality data annotation services to enhance AI models, focusing on reinforcement learning from human feedback. Their solutions are crucial for tech giants like Google and Meta, helping AI systems understand complex language nuances.

  • Surge AI has collaborated with major tech companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, contributing to the training of advanced AI models.forbes.com
  • In 2024, Surge AI generated $1.2 billion in revenue, showcasing its significant impact in the AI industry.forbes.com
  • Founder Edwin Chen was recognized as the youngest newcomer on Forbes' annual ranking of the 400 richest Americans in 2025.forbes.com

WHY WE WOULD WORK AT SURGE AI

Innovative AI Mission

Join a team dedicated to developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) that embodies human-like qualities, making a real impact on the future of AI.

Collaborative Culture

Work alongside a diverse team of experts, including former Goldman Sachs analysts and U.S. Navy SEALs, fostering a unique blend of skills and perspectives.

Competitive Compensation

Benefit from a lucrative compensation package, with Surge AI generating over $1 billion in revenue, reflecting its strong market position.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Engage with advanced technologies in reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), contributing to projects for major clients like Google and OpenAI.

Rapid Growth Opportunities

Be part of a fast-growing company that has expanded to 110 employees since its founding in 2020, offering ample opportunities for career advancement.

Recognized Leadership

Work under visionary leaders like Edwin Chen, who has been recognized as one of the youngest billionaires, driving Surge AI's innovative journey.

MARKET AND TRACTION

GROWTH TACTICS

  • Surge AI has rapidly expanded its workforce to approximately 110 employees by 2025, showcasing its growth in the competitive AI landscape.

  • The company has successfully generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, indicating strong market demand for its data annotation services.

  • Surge AI has focused on building partnerships with major tech companies, enhancing its credibility and market reach.
  • KEY METRICS

    ✦ KEY METRIC
  • Surge AI achieved a revenue of $1.2 billion in 2024, reflecting its successful business model and market penetration.

  • The company's valuation is estimated to be between $15 billion and $25 billion as of mid-2025, highlighting its significant growth potential in the AI sector.
  • NOTABLE CUSTOMERS

  • Surge AI has collaborated with leading technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, contributing to the training of advanced AI models.

  • These partnerships not only validate Surge AI's expertise in data annotation but also position it as a key player in the AI development ecosystem.
  • COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

  • Surge AI specializes in reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), which is critical for developing sophisticated AI applications.

  • The company's focus on high-quality human feedback allows AI systems to better understand nuanced language, setting it apart from competitors in the data annotation space.
  • MARKET POSITION

  • Surge AI is recognized as one of the most successful data labeling companies globally, with a diverse workforce that includes experts from various fields.

  • The company's strategic collaborations with major tech players enhance its position in the rapidly evolving AI market, driving innovation and growth.
  • PRODUCT AND TECH

    Reinforcement Learning Feedback

    Surge AI specializes in reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), which enhances AI models by incorporating nuanced human insights into their training processes. This methodology is crucial for developing AI systems that can understand complex language and context.

    Language Data Annotation

    The company provides high-quality annotation services for language data, enabling AI models to grasp subtle differences in language usage. This service is essential for training models that require a deep understanding of human communication.

    AI Model Training Support

    Surge AI collaborates with major tech companies like Google and OpenAI to support the training of advanced AI models. Their expertise in creating reinforcement learning environments ensures that these models are equipped with the necessary human-like qualities.

    Human Computation APIs

    The engineering team at Surge AI develops APIs for real-time human computation, facilitating efficient data collection and annotation across multiple languages. This technology enhances the scalability and effectiveness of their data annotation services.

    AI Alignment Initiatives

    Surge AI focuses on AI alignment, working with institutions to ensure that AI systems behave in ways that are beneficial and aligned with human values. This initiative is vital for the responsible development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

    COMPANY CULTURE

    Values

  • Curiosity drives innovation and exploration

  • Wit fosters creativity and problem-solving

  • Imagination is essential for developing advanced AI

  • Wisdom guides ethical considerations in AI development

  • Commitment to high-quality human feedback in AI training
  • Operating Principles

  • Emphasize collaboration across diverse teams

  • Prioritize transparency in communication and decision-making

  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation

  • Encourage experimentation and iterative improvement

  • Maintain a strong focus on user-centric design in AI solutions
  • Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and equity opportunities

  • Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance

  • Access to professional development resources and training

  • Opportunities to work with leading tech companies

  • A supportive environment that values diverse perspectives
  • Team Cadence

  • Regular team meetings to align on goals and progress

  • Bi-weekly check-ins to discuss challenges and successes

  • Monthly all-hands meetings to share company updates

  • Continuous feedback loops to enhance team collaboration

  • Celebrations of milestones and achievements to foster camaraderie
  • Learning & Growth

  • Strong emphasis on mentorship and peer learning

  • Access to workshops and conferences in AI and machine learning

  • Encouragement to pursue personal projects related to AI

  • Opportunities for cross-functional training and role rotation

  • Support for further education and certifications in relevant fields
  • HIRING SIGNAL

    28
    Open roles on their careers page
    Snapshot via live ATS poll
    —
    Net new roles in the last 90 days
    Available once weekly history accrues
    90-Day VelocityV2 · BACKFILL
    Trend builds weekly as historical rows accrue
    By Function
    Breakdown of open roles
    Data · 2
    Other · 1
    GTM · 3
    Design · 1
    G&A · 2
    Product · 1
    Marketing · 2
    Operations · 8
    Engineering · 8
    Top Locations
    Where hiring is concentrated
    Remote-eligible postings counted separately
    United States - Remote
    28
    SourcesGreenhouseLeverAshbyWorkableSmartRecruitersRipplingRecruiteeFallback · Wellfound, YC Work-at-a-Startup, careers-page scrape

    KEY COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Filter
    12 announcements · ranked by importance
    Sep 17, 2025FOUNDER PROFILEHow The Low-Key Billionaire Behind Surge Is Beating Out Rivals Like Scale AIforbes.com
    Jul 1, 2025FUNDINGSurge AI seeks $1 billion in funding, targets $15 billion valuation - Reuters By Investing.cominvesting.com
    Jul 21, 2025INTERVIEW20VC: Scaling to $1BN+ in Reve…–The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch – Apple Podcastspodcasts.apple.com
    Dec 7, 2025INTERVIEWThe 100-person AI lab that bec… ‑ Lenny's Podcast: Product | Career | Growth ‑ Apple Podcastspodcasts.apple.com
    Jan 1, 2023CUSTOMER WINMeasuring the persuasiveness of language models \ Anthropicanthropic.com
    May 2, 2023AWARDAward | SBIRsbir.gov
    Nov 11, 2025PRESSRL Environments and the Hierarchy of Agentic Capabilitiessurgehq.ai
    Dec 26, 2022PRESSWe Evaluated ChatGPT vs. Google on 500 Search Queriessurgehq.ai
    Oct 3, 2025PRESSUnsexy AI Failures: The PDF That Broke ChatGPTsurgehq.ai
    Sep 18, 2025PRESSSWE-Bench Failures: When Coding Agents Spiral into 693 Lines of Hallucinationssurgehq.ai
    Jan 7, 2026CONTROVERSYLMArena is a cancer on AIsurgehq.ai
    Nov 11, 2025ESSAYYou are your objective function. Which fork do you choose?edwinchen.ai