Allbirds Transitions to AI With Smartbird, Boosting Stock Potential
WHO:
Fast Company - Nadia Carlsten was previously leading Amazon Web Services’ quantum computing center and was CEO at AI company DCAI.
Business Insider - Carlsten stated, "I'm more of a high heels person myself. I'm blissfully unaware of all things Allbirds."
Fast Company - Nadia Carlsten has been named the new CEO of Smartbird.
Fast Company - Joe Vernachio is the current CEO being replaced by Nadia Carlsten.
Techmeme - Allbirds, now known as Smartbird, is a company that has transitioned from footwear to AI infrastructure.
WHAT:
Business Insider - By early 2025, Allbirds' market value had fallen below $20 million.
Business Insider - The company announced an only-in-2026 pivot to no longer sell shoes and instead become an AI infrastructure provider.
Business Insider - Carlsten mentioned that Smartbird will focus on mid-market enterprises in the pharma and financial services sectors.
Fast Company - Allbirds changed its name to Smartbird and identified itself as “an AI infrastructure provider.”
Fast Company - BIRD stock was up roughly 45% midday after the announcement and closed up 37%.
Fast Company - Smartbird sold off its footwear-related assets for almost $40 million.
Fast Company - The company was previously valued at $4 billion, and its current market cap is around $50 million.
Fast Company - Nadia Carlsten stated, “Smartbird is entering the market at a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI infrastructure.”
WHERE:
Fast Company - The company is transitioning from its previous operations in the footwear industry to AI infrastructure.
WHEN:
Fast Company - The name change and CEO appointment occurred on a Wednesday.
WHY:
Fast Company - The pivot to AI is seen as an opportunity to meet the growing need for enterprise-grade AI infrastructure.
HOW:
Business Insider - Smartbird will purchase infrastructure and build it out on behalf of customers, rather than building ahead of demand.
Fast Company - Smartbird aims to capitalize on the AI infrastructure opportunity with a differentiated strategy and significant capital.
(UPDATED June 17, 2026 23:26 UTC)
Nadia Carlsten, who previously led Amazon Web Services’ quantum computing center and served as CEO of AI company DCAI, has announced a significant pivot for Allbirds, which will transition from selling shoes to becoming an AI infrastructure provider in 2026. By early 2025, Allbirds' market value had dropped below $20 million, prompting this strategic change, with Carlsten stating that the new venture, Smartbird, will target mid-market enterprises in the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors. Instead of building infrastructure ahead of demand, Smartbird plans to purchase and develop it on behalf of its customers.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 21:41 UTC)
Nadia Carlsten has been appointed as the new CEO of Smartbird, a company that has transitioned from footwear to AI infrastructure, previously known as Allbirds. Following the announcement, Smartbird's stock saw a significant rise, closing up 37% after selling off its footwear-related assets for nearly $40 million. Carlsten emphasized that Smartbird is entering the market at a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI infrastructure, aiming to capitalize on this growing demand with a differentiated strategy and substantial capital.