Founder: Alexandr Wang (CEO)
Launched:Â 2016
Headquarters:Â San Francisco
Funding: $600 million
Valuation: $7.3 billion
Key technologies: Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, deep neural networks/deep learning, edge computing, explainable AI, generative AI, machine learning
Industry: Enterprise technology
Previous appearances on Disruptor 50 List: 1 (No. 19 in 2023)
At the core of the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence and large language models is data. That data, whether it is text, images, video or voice recordings, needs to be labeled correctly before it can be digested and used effectively by AI technology.
This key part of AI's growth is being fueled by Scale AI, which evolved from labeling data used to train models that powered autonomous driving to now helping to improve and fine tune the underlying data for nearly any organization looking to implement AI, powering some of the most advanced models in use.
Two-time No. 1 CNBC Disruptor company OpenAI, for example, works with Scale AI to improve ChatGPT and better align its responses with human prompts. Other clients include Accenture, fellow Disruptor Anthropic, Microsoft and Meta.
Scale AI is also increasingly working with the public sector. In August, the company was awarded a contract with the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, which the company said will help boost the DoD's efforts to advance AI capabilities for the entire military, spanning projects across the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.
In May, Scale AI launched Donovan, an AI-powered decision-making platform that is the first LLM deployed to a U.S. government classified network.
Scale AI CEO and founder Alexandr Wang spoke at December's AI Insight Forum in Washington, D.C., about the role Scale AI is playing in helping support the U.S. and its allies.
"The race for AI global leadership is well underway, and our nation's ability to efficiently adopt and implement AI will define the future of warfare," Wang said. "I firmly believe that the United States has the ability to lead the world in AI adoption to support U.S. national security. The world is not slowing down, and we must rise to the occasion."
The company is also looking to play a role in AI development globally. It announced in May that it will open a London office as its European headquarters and will look to support and partner with the U.K. government on its AI initiatives.
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