On Deck

On Deck, a tech startup that connects founders with resources and networks, laid off 73 full-time employees in August 2022, representing about a third of its staff. This followed a previous round of layoffs just months earlier, where a quarter of employees were cut. The company, which had grown rapidly to serve over ten thousand founders and professionals, cited a need to refocus after expanding too broadly across multiple communities. As part of the restructuring, On Deck spun off its career advancement arm and sunsetted several programs, including a climate tech fellowship. Affected employees received eight weeks of severance, accelerated option vesting, and healthcare coverage.

On Deck, a tech company that connects founders with capital and advice, laid off 72 employees, representing 25% of its staff, on May 5, 2022. The cuts primarily affected operations and investing roles, with severance packages including eight weeks of salary and 12 weeks of healthcare. Co-founders confirmed the layoffs, citing a need to support departing team members and refocus the business. The company, which launched in 2019 and had raised a $20 million Series A in 2021, faced financial pressures from missed sales targets, aggressive hiring, and a reduced fundraise—originally targeting $100-$150 million but landing around $40 million. As a result, On Deck is scaling back its ODX accelerator program and aims to extend its runway, which was down to nine months prior to the cuts.