Vast AI

Decentralized GPU Cloud Marketplace — The Cheapest Way to Run AI Compute

2018
Founded
Los Angeles
Headquarters
~30
Employees
Bootstrapped
Profitable
Culture Overview

What it's really like to work at Vast AI

Founded in 2018 by Jake and Travis Cannell, Vast AI operates the world’s largest decentralized GPU cloud marketplace — connecting 1,400+ GPU providers across 500+ locations with AI researchers and companies who need cheap compute. With ~30 employees managing 17,000+ GPUs, the culture is intensely engineering-driven and flat. Everyone reports directly to the CEO, and the team is bootstrapped, profitable, and moving fast. Expect a high-ownership, startup-intensity environment where technical depth matters more than titles.

Eng-Driven Ship Fast Flat Org Many Hats Strong Equity
Glassdoor Ratings

What employees actually say

5.0
Overall Glassdoor Score
Based on ~2 reviews
ⓘ Very small sample size — ratings based on only 2 Glassdoor reviews. Take with a grain of salt.
Culture & Values 5.0
Compensation & Benefits 5.0
Senior Management 5.0
Career Opportunities 5.0
Work-Life Balance 4.5
Overall Rating 5.0
100% Business Outlook
100% CEO Approval (Jake Cannell)
Employee Review Themes

The good and the hard parts

✓ What employees love

  • ✓ Front-row seat to the AI compute revolution — demand for GPU cloud is surging
  • ✓ Strong compensation and generous equity stakes for a bootstrapped startup
  • ✓ Direct access to leadership — all technical roles report to the CEO
  • ✓ Bootstrapped and profitable — no VC pressure or burn-rate anxiety
  • ✓ Mission-driven around democratizing GPU compute and making AI accessible

✗ What could be better

  • ✗ Processes are still being defined — expect ad hoc workflows at this stage
  • ✗ Intense workload — the team explicitly values high output and long hours
  • ✗ Small team (~30 people) means wearing many hats and broad responsibilities
  • ✗ Limited career ladder and role specialization at this company size
Engineering Culture

How the engineering team works

Tech Stack

Python C++ CUDA Docker Kubernetes PostgreSQL

GPU Marketplace

Decentralized marketplace connecting 1,400+ GPU providers across 500+ locations globally. 17,000+ GPUs available including NVIDIA H100, A100, RTX 4090, and AMD support. Prices 60-80% cheaper than hyperscalers.

Open Source

Maintains vast-cli, vast-sdk, base images, and serverless workers on GitHub. Fork of SkyPilot for multi-cloud GPU orchestration. MIT licensed. Learn more →

Team Structure

Flat hierarchy — all engineers report directly to CEO Jake Cannell. SOC 2 Type II certified. On-site culture across LA and SF offices with emphasis on deep technical work.

Open Positions

Join the Vast AI team

Explore all 10 open roles below. Every listing links directly to the original posting.

See all 10 Vast AI jobs →