Datadog veterans launch AI coding startup Niteshift on a bet against Big AI lock-in
TechCrunch·June 10, 2026
Niteshift, an AI coding agent startup founded by Datadog veterans, has secured a $7 million seed round from prominent angel investors. The company is betting that businesses will prefer to have control over their AI systems rather than being locked into proprietary models. Niteshift's approach aims to give companies the power to customize and own their AI solutions, contrasting with the dominant "Big AI" lock-in model. By doing so, Niteshift is positioning itself as a more flexible and autonomous alternative in the AI coding market.
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