In August 2022, Brazilian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Fluke laid off over 80% of its workforce, reducing its team from 101 employees to just 18, as part of a drastic survival move. The startup, which provides flexible cell phone plans, faced severe cash flow pressures and high operational costs amid a broader market correction. This massive downsizing, which occurred in successive waves through mid-August, contradicted earlier growth plans and statements from CEO Marcos Oliveira about avoiding layoffs. Concurrently, Fluke was in the process of being acquired by a larger telecommunications player. The remaining skeleton crew primarily handles customer service to keep operations running, while the founders actively helped place many of the affected employees in new roles at other companies.
