As tech giants monopolize AI talent, software studios like Lateral are emerging to offer tailored solutions to startups and Fortune 500 companies alike

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, a select few development studios have become trusted partners, providing the technology infrastructure and innovation that enables rapidly growing companies to scale and compete. One such company is lateral, founded in 2008, which has been quietly supporting several emerging AI companies in the areas of healthcare, sustainability and industrial technology. However, in today’s market, where AI talent is being rapidly absorbed by many well-known technology giants, the role of lateral has become more critical than ever.

The AI ​​industry is facing an unprecedented talent shortage. For startups looking to compete in an environment dominated by major players, securing top-notch AI engineers comes with an astronomical price tag that only continues to rise for the most experienced professionals in the market. Even if they are able to offer such inflated salaries, startups have difficulty attracting and retaining the talent that can turn their visions into reality. This is where lateral comes in, offering not only technical expertise but also a dedicated team that can help AI companies scale without having to build huge in-house engineering teams.

A strategic partner in the face of an AI talent drought

Lateral’s strategy as a global leader in technology development is based on reliability, innovation and a customer-centric approach. In an industry known for going over budget and missing deadlines, lateral has made a name for itself by delivering projects “on time, on budget and to quality.” This consistency helped fill a key gap among startups struggling with a shortage of AI talent.

“From the very beginning, our approach had to be world-class in order to compete on the global stage,” says Ciprian Morar, CEO of lateral. “I think I owe this motivation to my time at Microsoft and later Expedia – experiences that taught me the fundamentals of building for the long term, building exceptional teams, and creating exceptional products.”

The AI ​​talent shortage, while challenging for many, has created an opportunity for software companies like lateral to step into the role of an indispensable partner. By integrating seamlessly with its clients’ teams, lateral enables startups to keep pace with the rapid technological advances that are critical to their growth, without the need to create massive in-house engineering departments.

Delivering breakthrough solutions for ambitious AI startups

Ezra, a company revolutionizing early cancer detection using artificial intelligence, has selected lateral not only as a supplier, but also as a strategic partner. Ezra’s mission to detect cancer early using advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence models required above-average technical capabilities. lateral’s ability to provide a comprehensive technology infrastructure made it the obvious choice for this critical mission.

“Ezra is an early cancer screening company and we were incredibly excited about their mission to use AI models to save lives every day,” says Morar. “When Ezra approached us, he wasn’t simply looking for another service provider. They needed a technology partner that could keep pace and drive innovation in healthcare, artificial intelligence and computer vision.”

The effects of this cooperation were striking. Lateral’s proficiency in managing complex artificial intelligence and computer vision projects allowed Ezra to raise over $40 million from tier one VCs to develop a revolutionary cancer detection model that could save lives through early diagnosis – a testament to the role lateral plays in enabling artificial intelligence – driven breakthroughs.

Filling the AI ​​engineering gap with scale and expertise

The partnership with Ezra is symbolic of lateral stepping into the breach left by the AI ​​talent drought. In the past, the goal of startups may have been to build internal teams to deal with the complexities of AI. Today, however, astronomical costs and competition for AI engineers have made outsourcing to a development studio like lateral not only a smart choice, but often the only viable option.

A similar dynamic occurred with Rubicon, a billion-dollar company transforming waste management through artificial intelligence and data analytics. The complexity of their system required more than just technical support – it required a partner who could integrate cutting-edge technology into the business. lateral rose to this challenge by delivering scalable solutions designed to transform Rubicon’s logistics and urban operations.

“At first glance, Rubicon may look like just another recycling company – a ‘rideshare.’ But Rubicon is much more,” says Morar. “They are rethinking waste management, logistics and even the way our cities function. Cooperation with Rubicon was not only an opportunity, but also an exciting challenge. They tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainability and waste reduction. Combining our expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, our goal was to not only improve the way things work, but also deliver transformational changes and updates that could lead to future scaling opportunities for Rubicon.

A global team to fill the talent gap

Facing an AI talent drought, lateral leveraged its global team to maintain a competitive advantage. With more than 300 employees across five studios around the world, the company draws from a diverse pool of top-notch innovators, ensuring that no matter how tight the talent market is, lateral can deliver.

“We carefully select top-notch innovators from around the world, each bringing unique perspectives and areas of specialization,” says Morar. “Our global reach enables seamless collaboration around the clock. Time zones become irrelevant when passion and purpose align.

Building on lateral’s commitment to supporting ambitious technology ventures, Mike Stitt recently joined the lateral group, bringing over two decades of experience in entrepreneurial leadership and business strategy to help lead the company’s growth. With a proven track record of scaling companies, including serving as CEO at Removery and President at Travelzoo North America, Mike will play a key role in accelerating lateral’s strategic initiatives.

Shaping the future of AI with strategic vision

Looking ahead, lateral continues to focus on expanding collaborations with ambitious AI companies. As the demand for AI-based solutions increases and the talent gap widens, lateral has become not only a source of technology solutions, but also a strategic partner for companies looking to scale operations while keeping costs under control.

“Not only are we excited about the future, we are actively building it,” notes Morar. “Our commitment to quality will continue to guide us as we grow. We don’t just build technology, we shape how technology integrates into and improves every aspect of our lives.

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