French unicorn Meero, a platform connecting professional photographers with businesses often called the "Uber of photography," has quietly conducted a massive layoff, cutting nearly 50% of its workforce over two years. The company, which had around 700 employees pre-pandemic, now employs between 400 and 450 people, indicating around 350 jobs were eliminated. This downsizing, attributed to the financial impact of COVID-19, marks a significant retreat from its earlier aggressive growth targets. Founded in 2016 and backed by major investors after a historic $230 million funding round in 2019, Meero operates in the tech/platform industry, serving clients like Booking.com and Deliveroo. The layoffs, confirmed through CEO statements in mid-2022, reflect the challenges even well-funded startups face in sustaining rapid expansion.
