Reference Architecture
The AI-Native Stack
Every layer an AI application touches, in the order a user request flows through it. AI-native layers sit among traditional infrastructure. Vendors are ranked by how many of the 1636 companies we track use them.
329
AI-native vendors
2244
Traditional vendors
60%
Use a foundation model
3.8
Avg AI vendors per AI user
Layer Details
AIAI-native layerTraditional infrastructure
Request In
The request reaches the edge and the user is identified.
The Agent Loop
Orchestrate, assemble context, call a model, use tools, repeat.
Output Processing
Check the response and turn it into speech, images or video.
Async & Cross-cutting
Trace, evaluate and monitor every step.
Supporting Infrastructure
Store data, bill customers, ship code and stay compliant.
Business Software
Tools the team uses to run the company. They do not sit in the request path.
See real stacks in production
Browse which AI companies use which combination of these layers.