Thinking Machines Lab vs VAST Data
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Thinking Machines Lab
Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Side-by-side
VAST Data is the more established option (raised $2.4B), but Thinking Machines Lab is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Thinking Machines Lab | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 90🏆 | 88 |
| Total fundingi | $2B | $2.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Jul 2025 | Series F · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | $12B | $30B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Usage | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Thinking Machines Lab and VAST Data.
| Capability | Thinking Machines Lab | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 1 (python) | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Thinking Machines Lab
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 88)
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of VAST Data
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs $2B)
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose Thinking Machines Lab if price matters most — it starts at Usage, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose VAST Data if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.4B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Thinking Machines Lab vs VAST Data — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Thinking Machines Lab is the leaner option; VAST Data has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Thinking Machines Lab cheaper than VAST Data?
Yes — Thinking Machines Lab's cheapest paid plan is Usage, while VAST Data's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Thinking Machines Lab and VAST Data offer free plans?
Thinking Machines Lab: Paid only. VAST Data: Paid only.
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