Connected, a Toronto-based software product development firm specializing in design, product, and engineering, laid off 17 employees last week, representing 10% of its workforce. This move is part of a broader trend of recent layoffs within the Toronto tech sector, affecting companies like Ritual and Ecobee as well. The layoffs highlight ongoing adjustments in the industry, with the company offering support by sharing an opt-in list of affected employees to connect them with hiring opportunities.