Mode Lab

What Mode Lab does

Mode Lab is a privately held design and technology firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon, that builds computational tools and AI-powered solutions for industrial design and enterprise transformation. Originally founded in 2008 by Ronnie Parsons — who brings over two decades of cross-sector innovation experience — the firm has historically delivered computationally designed products for marquee enterprises including Nike (Olympic track plates that were 35% lighter, 3X stiffer, contributed to 45 medals, and reduced waste by 60%), HP Inc. (automated 3D-printed plastic-free packaging at scale, 40% faster and 20X lighter), Smith (custom algorithm-driven 3D-printed ski goggles delivered in 2 weeks), and Zerobrush (10X throughput increase and 85% reduction in per-unit computation time).

The firm's current core offering spans AI Systems & Automation, MVP & SaaS Development, and Team Tools & Dashboards, supplemented by additional services covering AI Strategy & Consulting, AI Leadership Programs, AI Training, AI Workspace Design, SOPs & Process Audits, AI Agents & Assistants, AI Integrations, NLP Solutions, and AI Model Tuning. Mode Lab's technology stack emphasizes custom-built AI systems, natural language processing, and model fine-tuning rather than off-the-shelf implementations, with the stated differentiator being unlimited revisions per engagement and client ownership of delivered solutions.

Mode Lab operates a sales-led, subscription-based business model with three publicly disclosed tiers — Explore at $2,495 bi-weekly, Building Platforms at $4,750 per month, and Scale starting at $14,450 per month — targeting "impact-driven organizations" across enterprises, growing businesses, and established mission-driven entities. Distribution combines a self-serve Stripe checkout for lower tiers with a Typeform-driven discovery call funnel and direct email outreach for higher-tier engagements, while marketing relies primarily on founder-led LinkedIn thought leadership. The firm is founder-controlled with no disclosed institutional investment, funding rounds, parent company, or expansion beyond the United States.

Name

Mode Lab

Legal name

Mode Lab

Website

https://modelab.is

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Mode Lab is a privately held Portland-based design and AI consulting firm founded in 2008 that builds computational design and AI-powered product solutions for impact-driven enterprises across sectors, delivering work through tiered subscription engagements at $2,495 to $14,450+ per month.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

AI Consulting and Transformation Services

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Management Consulting Services (54161), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

AI/ML Engineering & Model Development Services (BPAEAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

AI Integration & Orchestration Platforms (Connectors, Workflow, iPaaS for AI) (HDAEANAI)

Keywords

• AI consulting services
• Workflow automation
• MVP development
• Computational design
• SaaS development

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Subscription-based Monthly Plans: Mode Lab offers three subscription tiers (Explore, Building Platforms, Scale) on a bi-weekly or monthly billing cadence, delivering on-demand AI and automation expertise without the overhead of full-time hires. The model provides unlimited revisions and iterations within each tier.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Mode Lab designs and delivers AI-powered ecosystems for impact-driven organizations, offering three core services: AI Systems & Automation (custom-built AI tools that streamline operations), MVP & SaaS Development (rapid validation and launch of digital products), and Team Tools & Dashboards (internal analytics and workflow tools). Services are delivered through tiered subscription plans (Explore, Building Platforms, Scale) and supplemented by AI Strategy & Consulting, with a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of strategists, developers, and consultants executing weekly sprints.

Product overview

Mode Lab is an AI-powered product and workspace innovation company offering a comprehensive suite of services organized into three core offerings and twelve additional service areas. The three core services are: AI Systems & Automation (custom-built AI systems and automation tools), MVP & SaaS Development (rapid validation and launch of digital products), and Team Tools & Dashboards (internal analytics and workflow tools). These core services are delivered through a subscription-based model with three tiers: Explore ($2,495 bi-weekly, 1 project), Build ($4,750 monthly, 2 projects), and Scale (starting $14,450 monthly, 3+ projects). Additional services include AI Strategy & Consulting, AI Leadership Programs, AI for Impact Training, AI Workspace Design, SOPs & Process Audits, AI Agents & Assistants, AI Integrations, NLP Solutions, and AI Model Tuning, which complement the core offerings to provide end-to-end AI transformation for impact-driven organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AI Systems & Automation Custom-built AI systems and automation tools that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and free up resources for impact-driven organizations. Delivered as part of Mode Lab's subscription tiers with unlimited revisions.
• MVP & SaaS Development Rapid validation and launch of impact innovations through minimal viable products or scalable SaaS solutions tailored to mission-driven organizations.
• Team Tools & Dashboards Internal tools and dashboards providing real-time insights into impact metrics, streamlining workflows, and empowering teams at impact-driven organizations.
• AI Strategy & Consulting Advisory services providing strategic guidance on AI adoption and transformation for impact-driven organizations, helping them develop and implement AI strategies aligned with their mission and growth objectives.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% lighter, 3X stiffer track plates with 45 Olympic medals won and 60% waste reduction (Nike)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Azumo: Custom software and AI development services company building tailored applications, intelligent automation, and machine learning solutions for enterprise clients. Comparable in custom-build delivery and subscription-style engagements.
• Addepto: AI consulting and development boutique specializing in custom AI solutions, MLOps, and data engineering for enterprises. Comparable to Mode Lab in service scope and boutique positioning.
• DataRoot Labs: Boutique AI/ML services company specializing in end-to-end model development, MLOps, and data engineering. Comparable to Mode Lab in size, custom delivery model, and AI engineering focus.
• BlueLabel: AI consultancy and product studio that builds custom generative AI applications and integrations for enterprises. Comparable to Mode Lab in custom AI development, advisory, and productization services.
• ITRex Group: AI/ML consulting and custom development firm providing end-to-end AI engineering, data science, and intelligent automation services. Comparable to Mode Lab's full-stack AI delivery model for enterprise clients.
• Geniusee: AI and machine learning development services provider delivering custom software, AI integrations, and intelligent automation for enterprises. Comparable to Mode Lab's project-based AI services delivery.
• AE Studio: Boutique AI development agency that builds custom AI products and tools for mission-driven organizations and enterprises. Highly comparable to Mode Lab in scale, custom-build model, and impact/social-good orientation.
• Hatchworks AI: AI and generative AI engineering services firm delivering custom AI systems, integrations, and model development for enterprises. Closely comparable in service portfolio to Mode Lab's AI Systems & Automation and Model Tuning offerings.

Broad incumbents

• IDEO: Established global design and innovation consultancy that integrates computational design, AI, and product strategy for enterprises. Comparable to Mode Lab's design + AI roots, but at vastly greater scale and broader scope.

Emerging players

• Leandig: Smaller AI consulting boutique providing custom AI strategy, integrations, and model development. Comparable to Mode Lab's AI Strategy & Consulting and AI Integration services for SMB and mid-market clients.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/modelabdesign
• Facebookfacebook.com/modelabdesign
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mode-lab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mode Lab