1. What is Synapse?
Synapse is the world’s first peer-to-peer community for buyers and users of enterprise AI & SaaS products to connect with their peers on-demand for honest, insightful and specific guidance on technology purchase/ renewal decisions.
2. Why Synapse?
To simplify reference checks on software vendors. Before buying or renewing any AI or SaaS products at work, we have always relied on reaching out to peers for their valuable insights. We’ve all done this in our own inefficient ways - LinkedIn groups, WhatsApp groups, Slack communities and personal networks. Finding the right peer with the most relevant insights for the specific use case and context and getting their time have always been a wild-goose chase.
We built Synapse to be a peer-driven platform where enterprise AI & SaaS buyers can discover, connect and get relevant guidance and insights from verified peers, all ON DEMAND. So, the next time you are considering buying or renewing an AI or SaaS vendor, you don’t have to spend days finding the right peer for a reference check. Just come to Synapse, find and connect with the right peer for the right guidance.
3. Who pays who?
Simple, the buyer who’s seeking a Peer Guide’s insights pays the Peer Guide. The buyer is evaluating technology options costing their business tens of thousands of dollars. This buyer gets honest, insightful and 1:1 guidance from their peers (Peer Guides) on Synapse. With battle-hardened insights from Peer Guides, buyers get to make costly technology purchase/ renewal decisions with much higher internal conviction, and at much quicker time.
4. Is Synapse just another expert network?
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that Synapse is a “network” of “experts”. And no, because the comparison with conventional expert networks stops right there. 1. We don’t gate-keep peers from reaching out to you directly. 2. We charge a very minimal platform fee for every consultation to keep the network running, so you earn the most for your insights 3. We’re peer-driven and peer-vetted. In short, we are by peers, for peers and of peers.
1. What is a Peer Guide consultation?
In enterprise technology purchasing, professionals traditionally seek peer insights about vendors through informal networks. Peer Guide offers a structured approach: buyers connect with the right peer expert, paying directly for targeted, valuable insights about potential AI or SaaS vendor decisions.
2. Who will reach out to me?
Could be peers, juniors, seniors. Could be anyone who values your opinions and insights about an AI or SaaS vendor they’re considering to buy/ renew and believe you’re the right person to speak to. Oh, and this person could be from a different part of the world. Isn’t that exciting?
3. Can I say no to someone seeking a Peer Guide consultation with me?
Of course. You will have the option to decline a PeerGuide consultation before accepting. We vet every buyer before they reach out to you, but you will always have the option to say no to a PeerGuide consultation.
4. How do these consultations happen?
As a Peer Guide, you can choose to do these 1:1 consultations via live video calls or via written responses.
5. When do these consultations happen?
Short answer, at your convenience. We don’t expect you to dedicate specific hours every week. When a peer buyer reaches out to, it’s between the two of you to figure out how and when to connect. We know you both are busy executives, and we believe it’s best left to you both.
6. What should I expect in these consultations?
Typical topics that buyers want to pick your brains on vendors include - but not limited to - vendor’s ROI, vendor’s AI efficacy, fitment with specific use cases, Proof-of-Concept challenges, negotiation levers, integration challenges, onboarding challenges, implementation challenges, post-sales support, renewal challenges, roadmap support, privacy & security.
7. Can I stay anonymous during these consultations?
No. Synapse prioritizes genuine and direct peer connections. Unlike anonymous review sites, we facilitate 1:1 consultations with identifiable, verified professionals who can provide authentic, contextualized insights about AI and SaaS vendors.
1. I just submitted the form to express my interest. What next?
We will review your details and get in touch with you for a 10-minute onboarding call.
2. How do I know I’m eligible to be an expert?
To qualify as a Peer Guide, you should:
- Be invited by an existing Peer Guide (ideal, but not mandatory). See this for more details. <link to referral page/ section>
- Have 5+ years of professional experience
- Possess demonstrable expertise in some or all of the following - AI/ SaaS vendor evaluation, purchase, implementation, or usage
- Demonstrate genuine desire to help peers and learn from exchanges
- Value knowledge sharing and peer connections over pure monetary gain
3. I’m located outside the US. Can I be a Peer Guide?
Yes.
1. What’s in it for me?
As an influential Peer Guide:
- You get to shape the future of AI & SaaS buying among your peers.
- You get to make meaningful connections with leaders across the world.
- You get to stay ahead of the curve. Vendors ship new features and products every week. Seeing how your peers evaluate vendors today is the best way for you to stay ahead of the curve.
- Earn with your expertise and network
- Do all of this at your convenience
2. How much should I charge?
Really up to you. But, set your rate based on a simple gut check: "What would I pay for an hour of insights from someone with my level of expertise?". Also, if you want to consult for free—the choice is entirely yours.
3. Why are the first 2 consultations free?
No matter how much you want to charge, we expect you to do your first 2 Peer Guide consultations for free, in the spirit of understanding what it means for you to be a Peer Guide. We love our Peer Guides who value knowledge sharing and peer connections over pure monetary gain.
4. How exactly and how often will I get paid?
We payout via Gift cards/ VISA/ Paypal/ Charities etc. Payouts happen at least once a month, often within 2 weeks of your consultation. We’ll share more details via email once your onboarding as a PeerGuide is complete.
4. Do you have a referral program? How do I get paid for referrals?
Yes, we do. More details here.