Turning data assets into strategic advantages: insights from the frontline of monetisation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the data economy, the journey from possessing a vast data asset to extracting genuine commercial advantage is often fraught with internal hesitation and strategic roadblocks.

During the recent inaugural Data Products & Platforms Summit 2026, Michael Haltmanek, Head of Data Consulting at Neudata, explored how organisations can unlock true data value in the panel session: 'From Asset to Advantage: Unlocking Enterprise Value Through Data Monetisation'."

Overcoming the "C-suite hesitation"

One of the most significant barriers to successful data monetisation isn't technical or regulatory; it is leadership hesitation. Michael noted that many leadership teams are haunted by high-profile examples of data sharing gone wrong, creating a fear of repeating those mistakes and ending up on the front page for the wrong reasons.

At Neudata, through our daily conversations with data sellers and consumers, we appreciate the immense responsibility that comes with handling sensitive data. The key to moving past this fear is transparency and rigorous design. By implementing enforceable contracts and clear permissions, organisations can protect their brand while still capitalising on their unique insights—building a product that is both commercially viable and defensible.

Defining your target for success

A common mistake in data strategy is waiting for the perfect infrastructure before beginning. Michael’s advice is simple: start with the outcome.

• Outcome-driven design: If you have a clear target for what you want to achieve, the necessary maturity models and infrastructure will naturally fall into place.
• Leadership as a catalyst: Change must be driven from the top. The most successful projects are often led by "bulldozer" CEOs who champion data as the primary driver of business growth.
• Internal vs. external synergy: Building an external data product often forces a company to "up its game", improving internal data hygiene and processes as a secondary benefit.

Navigating the "wild west" of data pricing

Determining the value of a data set remains one of the most challenging aspects of the industry. Michael described the current market as a bit of a "Wild West", where annual pricing for similar data sets can vary, from £5,000 to over £500,000.

In this landscape of pricing and demand, success is typically underpinned by real-world buyer intelligence. Neudata’s daily engagement with a network of over a thousand data consumers—including hedge funds and global consultancies—provides an objective view of contemporary market appetite. This unique vantage point allows organisations to move beyond speculation, ensuring their data products are precisely aligned with the evolving expectations of premium buyers.

Taking the next step in your monetisation journey

To help you navigate these complexities with confidence, we have distilled our experience working with data buyers and sellers into a comprehensive strategic resource. This playbook is designed to demystify the rigorous requirements of the buy-side, providing a clear roadmap for engaging hedge funds and asset managers effectively.

Download our playbook: How to sell data to hedge funds and asset managers.