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AI systems studio

What Vertical Labs Builds

AI-native software systems for companies that need speed, clarity, and production execution.

Operating model

Lean senior team. Agent-augmented delivery. Production-ready systems.

Built for teams that need systems, not slide decks.

How delivery works

Studio leadership

Who is behind the studio

Direct senior ownership across strategy, design, engineering, and delivery.

Matt Gunnin, Chief Executive Officer at Vertical Labs

Matt Gunnin

Chief Executive Officer

Entrepreneur and AI engineer with more than 20 years of experience building technology companies across gaming, sports, and applied AI. Matt leads product strategy, AI systems, and software engineering at Vertical Labs.

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Raquel Ortega, Chief Design Officer at Vertical Labs

Raquel Ortega

Chief Design Officer

Automation architect and product designer specializing in human-centered systems that connect workflow automation, interface design, and user experience. Raquel leads product design and workflow architecture at Vertical Labs.

What we build

A focused set of production systems shaped around operational clarity.

AI systems and agents

Decision support, monitoring, and autonomous workflows.

Autonomous agentsRFP and bid systemsInvestor and market intelligence tools

Websites and web apps

Premium interfaces tied to real operations.

Website and web app developmentSearch visibility and AEO systemsCustomer workflows

Operations dashboards

Status, exceptions, ownership, and reporting.

Internal operations dashboardsEvent operations systemsReal-time dashboards

Workflow automation

Automation with control, not loose scripts.

Custom workflow automationAI media and content workflowsReview states

Marketplaces and secure platforms

Structured access, pricing, matching, and trust.

Marketplace and pricing systemsJob board and hiring platformsSecure exchange platforms

AI Enablement and Team Training

Practical adoption, team training, and playbooks for AI tools at work.

ClaudeChatGPTGeminiPerplexity
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Proof and operating model

How delivery works

From workflow mapping to production deployment, every build keeps automation, permissions, review, and maintenance in view.

01

Map the workflow

Find the decisions, handoffs, and control points.

02

Design the system

Shape the interface, data model, agents, and permissions.

03

Accelerate with agents

Use AI-native workflows for research, QA, content, and build support.

04

Ship with ownership

Launch with review states, monitoring, and a maintainable operating model.

Fixed-scope buildTypical first version: 3–8 weeks
A defined system with a clear owner, workflow, and launch target.A production build with written scope, milestones, acceptance criteria, deployment, and a clean handoff.
Monthly partnershipOngoing senior capacity
An evolving product, automation program, or multi-phase roadmap.A continuous senior product and engineering relationship for teams that need steady iteration after the first release.
Selective pilotMilestone-based
A high-conviction product where a focused proof can validate shared upside.A limited pilot or revenue-share structure considered selectively when the product, evidence, and incentives are unusually well aligned.

Frequently asked questions

Compact answers for evaluation.

What does Vertical Labs mean by AI systems studio?

Vertical Labs designs and ships production AI-enabled software, websites, automation, dashboards, and internal workflows.

When should a company work with Vertical Labs?

A company should work with Vertical Labs when an operational process is valuable enough to automate, but too specific or business-critical for generic off-the-shelf tools.

How does Vertical Labs keep AI systems reliable?

Systems are designed with scoped model behavior, human review points, monitoring, measurable outcomes, and maintainable architecture so teams can understand and improve them after launch.

How can a lean studio deliver serious systems?

Senior attention, fewer handoffs, agent-augmented delivery, reusable workflows, and direct accountability keep execution focused.

Does Vertical Labs build websites?

Vertical Labs builds websites and web applications when the product needs workflows, automation, dashboards, search visibility, or AI features. It is not positioned as a generic web design shop.

What is AI Enablement and Team Training?

It helps teams use Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and internal AI workflows with practical playbooks and usage guidelines.

How does Vertical Labs estimate a project?

Every project is estimated individually. The written scope reflects the workflow, integrations, risk and review requirements, interface depth, delivery pace, and the evidence needed before release.

How long does a fixed-scope build take?

Most fixed-scope builds target a usable first version in three to eight weeks. Complex integrations, migrations, compliance requirements, or deeper interface work can change that timeline and are identified during scoping.

Who owns the code, data, and infrastructure?

The client owns the code, data, and production infrastructure. Vertical Labs documents the system and plans for handoff from the beginning rather than using proprietary lock-in as the engagement model.

Are model, hosting, and software costs included?

Third-party model, hosting, data, and software costs are identified separately when they apply. The written scope explains which operating costs are expected and which accounts the client owns directly.

Project inquiries

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