CloudKitchens

CloudKitchens, the ghost kitchen company founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, conducted layoffs on November 8, 2023, affecting an unspecified number of its over 4,300 employees. The cuts are part of a broader trend as tech and real estate companies adjust to a challenging market marked by inflation and higher interest rates. CloudKitchens, valued at $15 billion in 2021, has faced operational difficulties, including high customer churn and issues with facility conditions and support. The company, which converts warehouses into kitchen spaces for restaurants, has also scaled back its U.S. real estate team over the past year, shifting focus from acquisitions to renovations and management amid a tougher economic environment.

CloudKitchens, the ghost kitchen startup founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, laid off approximately 30 employees from its recruiting team in early November 2022. This represents a small fraction of its workforce of over 5,000. The cuts were part of a broader effort to control costs and move toward profitability, as the pandemic-driven surge in online food delivery subsides and economic pressures mount. The company, valued at $15 billion after raising $850 million in 2021, is among many startups adjusting to a tougher funding environment and shifting market conditions in the food tech industry.