In mid-May 2020, the SoftBank-backed software startup Builder.ai, formerly known as Engineer.ai, laid off 39 employees, representing just under 14% of its global workforce of 280. The layoffs, announced via a company Zoom call, primarily affected the Los Angeles office, with some UK staff also placed on furlough. The company cited the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, noting a drop in orders despite anticipating a future shift toward digital solutions. To navigate the challenging period, Builder.ai also implemented temporary salary reductions for remaining employees and established a support fund. The startup, which offers an AI-assisted platform for app development, had rebranded in late 2019 and operates across India, London, and Los Angeles.
