Ouster

Ouster representing approximately 10% of its workforce on 2022-09-20.

In 2020, lidar startup Ouster, based in San Francisco, laid off 10% of its workforce due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, which operates in the competitive autonomous vehicle sensor industry, confirmed the reduction as part of broader cost-cutting measures amid market uncertainties. Despite this, Ouster managed to secure a $42 million Series B funding round from existing investors and reported significant revenue growth, allowing it to avoid further layoffs and maintain operations. The layoffs occurred as the company navigated temporary shutdowns at its manufacturing facility and aimed to stabilize finances while continuing product development and sales expansion in the lidar technology sector.