Layoffs in Chile

Uber, following its acquisition and integration of Cornershop, has laid off approximately 200 customer support professionals from the Cornershop team in Chile as part of a broader regional adjustment. This move, announced recently, is part of Uber's efforts to optimize operations within its Supermarkets and Retail business line. The layoffs, which are part of a larger plan affecting around 500 employees regionally, aim to streamline support services without impacting user experience. Affected employees are being offered internal transfers or severance packages. The tech and delivery industry giant continues to consolidate its operations post-acquisition.

Cornershop laid off 250 employees representing approximately 11% of its workforce on 2023-05-11.

Chilean healthtech startup Examedi laid off approximately 45 employees, comprising 30 in Chile and 15 in Mexico, which represents about 25% of its workforce in those markets. The layoffs, announced in April 2023, were part of a restructuring aimed at improving business efficiency and achieving profitability, according to co-founder and CEO Ian Lee. The company, which had raised a $17 million Series A round in June 2022, stated the cuts would not affect its short-term plans in either country. This move reflects the broader challenging environment for startups, prompting adjustments to ensure sustainability.

Betterfly representing approximately 30% of its workforce on 2023-01-18.

Chipax, a Chilean startup in the fintech/accounting software industry, recently conducted a significant layoff, describing it as the most difficult decision the company has faced. While the exact number of employees let go was not specified in the announcement, the company stated it had to part with a lot of talent to maintain a healthy business for the remaining team and clients. To support those affected, Chipax publicly shared a list of departed employees to aid their job search. The layoff occurred a couple of weeks prior to the post, which was made about three years ago, indicating the event took place around 2021. The context points to a strategic restructuring to ensure the company's sustainability, a common challenge for startups like Chipax, which is part of the Y Combinator S21 batch.

In August 2022, the Chilean corporate benefits unicorn Betterfly laid off approximately 30 employees from its Brazilian operation, representing about 30% of its 100-person local workforce. The layoffs, part of a restructuring, primarily affected the marketing, sales, and Xerpay teams, including the country manager. The company, an HR tech startup valued as a unicorn, faced challenges establishing itself in the local market despite significant investment, including a major funding round and expensive marketing campaigns. Reports indicate the company failed to meet commercial targets, and the layoff process itself was criticized by former employees for being poorly handled, with access revoked before official communication.