Braintrust

Braintrust is a user-owned talent network where freelancers keep 100% of their rate — clients pay a 15% fee instead of talent being skimmed. Governed by its community with a token-based model, it focuses on Fortune 1000 companies hiring engineering, design, product, and AI/ML professionals. It suits experienced independents who want enterprise clients without marketplace commissions.

How the User-Owned Model Works

Braintrust flips the marketplace structure: the network is owned by its community rather than extracting maximum fees, and decisions are influenced by token-holding members. You apply, get screened, and join the network; jobs are posted by companies — often large enterprises — and you apply with your rate. There are no recruiters taking cuts in the middle. Because clients pay the 15% fee, the incentive is to bring serious companies rather than maximize volume, which shows in the generally high quality of postings.

Fees, Rates, and Community

For talent, the economics are excellent: 0% fees mean a $150/hour engagement pays $150/hour. Clients pay 15% on top, still below traditional staffing agency markups, which keeps demand healthy. Rates are negotiated per engagement and trend enterprise-level. The trade-offs: admission is selective and skews toward senior, US-market-ready professionals; the crypto-token governance layer is a bonus for believers, irrelevant for skeptics; and like all curated networks, opportunity flow depends on your skills matching current client demand.

Tips for getting hired on Braintrust

• Set enterprise-level rates; clients here expect senior, premium talent.
• Complete screening thoroughly; Fortune 1000 clients trust the network's bar.
• Engage with the community; visibility inside the network drives referrals.