Mercor | RemoWork

What is Mercor?

Mercor is an AI hiring startup founded in 2023 by Brendan Foody, Adarsh Hiremath, and Surya Midha, headquartered in San Francisco. The platform connects highly skilled human experts — including engineers, lawyers, doctors, bankers, journalists, and PhDs — with AI companies to train AI models and chatbots through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). Mercor automates the hiring process using AI-driven resume screening, candidate matching, AI-powered video interviews, and payroll management. As of late 2025, the company managed 30,000 contractors and achieved a $10 billion valuation. Contributors work as remote, flexible independent contractors, typically 15–20 hours per week, with competitive hourly pay rates and weekly payments via Stripe Connect. Projects span domains including software engineering, STEM, legal, medical, and financial fields.

Mission & values

To unlock human potential in the AI economy by matching the world's experts with the AI labs and companies that need their knowledge.

Meritocracy

Opportunity is assigned based on demonstrated skill, not credentials or network.

Move fast

Ship quickly, iterate with users, and let speed compound.

Human + AI

Human expertise is the bottleneck for frontier AI; we productize it.

Global by default

Remote-first platform connecting experts from every continent.

Pay experts fairly

Transparent hourly rates paid weekly based on tracked work.

Life at Mercor

MacBook displaying lines of code on a developer desk — Building the stack

Woman using a laptop at a wooden desk with a mug — Working from home

Four colleagues gathered around a MacBook — Team collaboration

Child resting her hand on a small white humanoid robot — Human + AI

Qualifications

Mercor seeks highly skilled individuals with strong academic credentials — MAs, JDs, MDs, and PhDs from top universities are common among contractors. Candidates need proven research backgrounds, several years of professional experience, strong analytical skills, excellent written communication, and attention to detail. For technical AI software engineering roles, experience building web applications with React/TypeScript and Python, proficiency in API design, systems integration, and experience with LLM-based tools are required. The application process involves creating a profile, uploading a resume, and completing a 20-minute AI-powered video interview that evaluates skills mapping, project depth, and communication clarity. Candidates may retake the interview up to three times. Some technical roles include a take-home assignment and system design round. Interviews are conducted in English with a working camera and microphone required.

Leadership

B

Brendan Foody

CEO & Co-Founder

Thiel Fellow who co-founded Mercor at 20; leads strategy and operations for the AI hiring marketplace.

A

Adarsh Hiremath

CTO & Co-Founder

Former Harvard student and Thiel Fellow; leads Mercor's engineering and AI matching systems.

S

Surya Midha

Chairman & Co-Founder

Thiel Fellow and co-founder; chairs the board and drives business development.

Hiring process

1

Create profile

Sign up at work.mercor.com and upload a text-based PDF resume.

About 1 day
2

AI interview

Complete Mercor's AI-driven video interview that is reused across roles.

About 2 days
3

Skills evaluation

Role-specific assessment matched to client requirements.

About 3 days
4

Client matching

Mercor presents your profile to AI labs and clients with open roles.

About 5 days
5

Start working

Onboard to a contract, track hours in Insightful, and get paid weekly.

About 3 days

Funding

StageSeries C+

Total raised$485,000,000

Last roundOctober 2025

Investors

Felicis Benchmark General Catalyst Robinhood Ventures

Awards & recognition

Mercor founders become world's youngest self-made billionaires · 2025

Fortune ↗
Mercor valued at $10B in Series C · 2025

TechCrunch ↗

Frequently asked questions

Is Mercor legitimate?

Yes, Mercor is a legitimate company listed on RemoWork. We verify all companies on our platform. However, we always recommend doing your own research before sharing personal information or starting work. Check reviews from other users and visit the company's official website for the most up-to-date information.

How do I get started with Mercor?

To get started, visit Mercor's official website and look for their careers or sign-up page. Create an account, complete your profile with relevant skills and experience, and apply for available positions or projects. Some companies may require you to pass a qualification test or assessment before you can start working.

Does Mercor offer remote work?

Yes, Mercor offers remote work opportunities. Most tasks and positions can be completed from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and a computer or smartphone. Specific location requirements may vary by project or role, so check individual listings for details.

How does Mercor pay its workers?

Payment methods and schedules vary. Common payment options include PayPal, bank transfers, Payoneer, and other digital payment platforms. Visit Mercor's official website or check their payment/FAQ section for specific details about payment methods, minimum thresholds, and payout schedules.

What skills do I need to work with Mercor?

Required skills vary by role and project. Generally, you'll need a reliable internet connection, basic computer literacy, strong attention to detail, and good communication skills. Some positions may require specialized expertise, language proficiency, or technical qualifications. Check individual job listings for specific requirements.

What is Mercor's vetting process like?

Mercor uses an AI-powered vetting process that evaluates candidates through technical assessments, interviews, and skill verification. The platform matches vetted talent with companies looking for specific expertise. The process is designed to be efficient and identify top-tier professionals quickly.

What types of roles does Mercor offer?

Mercor connects professionals with AI engineering, software development, data science, machine learning, and other tech-focused roles. The platform works with startups and enterprises, offering both contract and full-time remote positions across various technical domains.

Is Mercor free for job seekers?

Yes, Mercor is free for job seekers and freelancers. The platform earns revenue from companies hiring through the network. Candidates can create profiles, get vetted, and apply for positions at no cost.

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