In November 2022, the global chat-based direct hiring platform Hirect, which connects startups with job seekers, laid off approximately 40% of its workforce, affecting around 200 employees. This reduction was part of an organizational restructuring and a strategic shift in its business model, as stated by co-founder and CEO Raj Das. The layoffs reflect broader challenges in the startup ecosystem, where a slowdown in hiring—following a pandemic-era boom fueled by cheap capital—has particularly impacted companies like Hirect that specialize in startup recruitment. At the time, Hirect had around 472 employees, down from a peak of 600. The company, based in Bengaluru and San Francisco and operating in the HR tech industry, faced criticism from affected employees who reported delays in receiving severance pay and relieving letters after being asked to resign in mid-October.
