Skip to main content

Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs, Expanding Its AI and Machine Learning Talent Search and Placement Capabilities

Written by Customer Service on . Posted in Mergers And Acquisitions.

Acquisition unites industry’s leading tech-focused executive search firm with pioneering AI-native recruiting organization

San Francisco , June 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — San Francisco, CA — June 24, 2026 — Riviera Partners, the leading global executive search firm specializing in technology leadership, today announced the acquisition of Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups.  

The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness. Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners to help companies meet that challenge across the full arc of an AI company’s growth, offering executive and technical talent search from seed-stage startup through IPO. 

Lateral Labs partners with some of the most demanding technical teams in AI, including Cursor, ElevenLabs, Runway, Scale AI and Luma Labs. 

Its embedded, retained and contingent search models meet the specific demands of machine learning and AI research roles through deep domain knowledge, talent relationships and repeatable processes to support high-growth startups with their most critical hires. The company was established in 2024 by Founder and CEO Rob Infantino, a veteran recruiter for leading AI labs including OpenAI and Amazon Web Services. 

“Our research shows as few as two percent of companies are organizationally ready to execute with AI, and the gap almost always comes down to talent,” said Kyle Langworthy, Partner and Head of AI, ML & Data Practice at Riviera Partners. “This acquisition gives companies deeper access to the most in demand  AI and machine learning talent their businesses need to execute.” 

“The people who build great AI are rare and in high demand, and reaching them takes real relationships, infrastructure and know-how,” said Lateral Labs Founder and CEO Rob Infantino. “Together, Riviera Partners and Lateral Labs can support an AI company’s hiring across its full lifecycle — from its first technical hire through IPO — spanning research, science, infrastructure, engineering, product and leadership roles.” 

About Riviera PartnersRiviera Partners is a global executive search firm specializing in technology and product leadership. With over two decades of experience and a proprietary platform that combines deep recruiting expertise with data-driven insights, Riviera is the go-to talent partner for venture capital, private equity, and public companies. Learn more at rivierapartners.com.   

About Lateral Labs 

Lateral Labs delivers bespoke hiring solutions for AI startups, operating as an embedded extension of clients’ teams. Founded by former AI lab practitioners, Lateral combines rigorous search methodology with deep machine learning domain expertise to help startups build exceptional technical teams. Learn more at lateral-labs.com. 

CONTACT: Ben Stephenson
Riviera Partners
bstephenson@rivierapartners.com

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.