The CEO of Allbirds’ new AI biz has a plan, but no employees Allbirds has rebranded as Smartbird, selling its shoe business for $43 million and raising $100 million to pivot into AI infrastructure. New CEO Nadia Carlsten, formerly of AWS and DCAI, is tasked with building the company from the ground up, starting with recruiting a leadership team and establishing an office. Smartbird aims to provide AI infrastructure for companies prioritizing data sovereignty and control over their servers, differentiating itself from hyperscalers and neoclouds.

• 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. Continue reading https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/19/the-ceo-of-allbirds-new-ai-biz-has-a-plan-but-no-employees/