tech
The CEO of Allbirds' new AI biz has a plan, but no employees
Call it a startup with a sole founder and a very large seed round, but what's next is less clear.
TL;DR
- Allbirds has officially pivoted to AI, rebranding as Smartbird.
- The company sold its shoe business for $43 million and raised an additional $100 million.
- Nadia Carlsten, an AWS and DCAI veteran, is the new CEO of Smartbird.
- Smartbird will focus on AI infrastructure, targeting customers who need direct server control for political or business-model reasons.
- The company aims to serve nascent market needs for controlled AI deployments, distinguishing itself from hyperscalers and neoclouds.
- Carlsten plans to build a new team and recruit for key leadership roles, including infrastructure operations.
- Smartbird's strategy does not rely on massive chip orders but rather on agility and control of the infrastructure stack.
- The transition from a public benefit corporation (PBC) status to focus on AI suggests a shift away from previous sustainability commitments.