As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, a select few development studios have emerged as trusted partners, providing the technological infrastructure and innovation that enable high-growth companies to scale and compete. Lateral, founded in 2008, is one such firm — quietly powering several emerging AI companies across healthcare, sustainability and industrial technology. But in today’s market, where AI talent is being rapidly absorbed by many well-known tech giants, Lateral’s role has become more critical than ever.
The AI industry is facing an unprecedented talent shortage. For startups looking to compete in a landscape dominated by major players, securing top-tier AI engineers comes with an astronomical price tag — which only continues to spike for the most seasoned pros in the market. Even when they can offer these inflated salaries, startups struggle to attract and retain the kind of talent that can turn their visions into reality. This is where Lateral steps in, offering not just technical expertise, but a dedicated team positioned to help AI companies scale without the burden of building massive in-house engineering teams.
A strategic partner amid the AI talent drought
Lateral’s trajectory as a global leader in tech development is built on a foundation of reliability, innovation and a client-first approach. In an industry notorious for budget overruns and missed deadlines, Lateral has made a name for itself by delivering projects “on time, on budget and on quality.” This consistency has allowed it to fill a crucial void for startups navigating the scarcity of AI talent.
“From the very beginning, our approach had to be world-class in order to compete on the world stage,” says Ciprian Morar, CEO of Lateral. “I think I owe this drive to my time at Microsoft and later at Expedia — experiences that taught me the fundamentals of building for the long run, assembling exceptional teams and crafting exceptional products.”
The shortage of AI talent, while a challenge for many, has created an opportunity for development firms like Lateral to step in as an essential partner. By integrating seamlessly into their clients’ teams, Lateral enables startups to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements that are critical for their growth, without the overhead of building massive internal engineering departments.
Powering breakthroughs for ambitious AI startups
Ezra, a company revolutionizing early cancer detection using AI, chose Lateral not simply as a vendor, but as a strategic partner. Ezra’s mission to detect cancer early, using advanced computer vision and AI models, required technical capabilities beyond the norm. Lateral’s ability to provide end-to-end technological infrastructure made them the obvious choice for this critical mission.
“Ezra is an early cancer screening company, and their mission of using AI models to save lives everyday was one we were thrilled to get behind, says Morar. “When Ezra approached us, they weren’t just looking for another service provider. They needed a technology partner who could match their pace and propel their innovations in healthcare, AI and computer vision forward.”
The results of this collaboration were striking. Lateral’s proficiency in managing complex AI and computer vision projects allowed Ezra to raise over $40 million from tier-1 VCs to develop a revolutionary cancer detection model that has the potential to save lives through early diagnosis — a testament to the role Lateral plays in enabling AI-driven breakthroughs.
Filling the AI engineering gap with scale and expertise
The partnership with Ezra is emblematic of how Lateral is stepping into the breach left by the AI talent drought. In the past, startups might have aimed to build in-house teams to handle the complexities of AI. Today, however, the astronomical costs and competition for AI engineers have made outsourcing to a development studio like Lateral not just a smart choice, but often the only viable option.
A similar dynamic played out with Rubicon, a billion-dollar company reshaping waste management through AI and data analytics. The complexity of their system demanded more than just technical support — it required a partner that could integrate cutting-edge technologies into the business. Lateral stepped up to that challenge, delivering scalable solutions tdesigned to transform Rubicon’s logistics and city operations.
“At first glance, Rubicon might look like just another recycling company — a ‘rideshare for trash.’ But Rubicon is so much more than that,” says Morar. “They’re rethinking waste management, logistics and even how our cities operate. Partnering with Rubicon wasn’t just an opportunity—it was an exciting challenge. They’re tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainability and waste reduction. By bringing our expertise in data analytics, AI and IoT into the mix, our goal was to not only improve the way things worked, but to provide transformational changes and updates that could lead to future scaling opportunities for Rubicon.”
A global team to bridge the talent gap
In the face of the AI talent drought, Lateral has leveraged its global team to maintain a competitive edge. With over 300 employees across five studios worldwide, the company draws on a diverse pool of top-tier innovators, ensuring that no matter how tight the talent market becomes, Lateral can deliver.
“We handpick top-tier innovators from across the world, each bringing unique perspectives and areas of expertise,” says Morar. “Our global reach enables seamless collaboration around the clock. Time zones become irrelevant when passion and purpose align.”
Doubling down on Lateral’s commitment to supporting ambitious tech ventures, Mike Stitt has recently joined Lateral Group, bringing over two decades of entrepreneurial leadership and business strategy experience to help spearhead the company’s growth. With a proven track record in scaling companies, such as his time as CEO at Removery and President at Travelzoo North America, Mike will play a crucial role in accelerating Lateral’s strategic initiatives.
Shaping the future of AI with strategic vision
Looking ahead, Lateral remains focused on expanding its partnerships with ambitious AI companies. As the demand for AI-driven solutions grows and the talent gap widens, Lateral has positioned itself as not only a resource for technology solutions, but also as a strategic partner for companies seeking to scale while keeping costs in check.
“We’re not just excited about the future, we’re actively building it,” Morar notes. “Our commitment to quality will continue to guide us as we grow. We’re not just building technology, we’re shaping how technology integrates with and enhances every aspect of our lives.”
VentureBeat newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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