Shoe company Allbirds is no more. The brand has completed a full pivot into artificial intelligence and renamed itself Smartbird, the company announced this week. The move comes with a new president and CEO tasked with steering the AI-focused direction, and investors have already responded — Smartbird stock pumped following the news.
The rebrand and new leadership
The company hired a new president and CEO to lead the new strategy, though executives did not name the individuals in the announcement. The leadership shakeup is part of a broader transformation that jettisons the footwear business in favor of AI products and services. The company said the pivot was finished, marking a sharp turn from its origins as a sneaker brand known for sustainable wool shoes.
Stock reaction
Smartbird shares rose after the rebrand announcement, though the exact percentage gain was not disclosed. The price increase suggests early investor confidence in the AI pivot, at least in the short term. The stock had traded under the Allbirds ticker before the change.
What comes next
The company has not yet released details on specific AI products, pricing, or a timeline for when the new offerings will hit the market. The next public update is expected during the company’s quarterly earnings call, where the new CEO is likely to outline the first Smartbird AI services. Until then, investors and former customers are left wondering what a shoe company turned AI firm will actually build.
