Layoffs in United States

Loop, a car insurance startup, has laid off staff after struggling to raise funds for 20 months, with an investor pulling out at the last minute. The layoffs were announced on June 16, 2024, impacting roles such as insurance agents, customer care, data analytics, marketing, software engineering, and product, though the exact number of affected employees is unclear.

Care/of, a personalized subscription vitamin company, is shutting down and laying off its entire workforce of 143 employees as of July 3, 2024, due to a complete loss of funding. The company, which was majority-owned by pharmaceutical giant Bayer, announced it is canceling all subscriptions and ceasing new orders. This closure follows Bayer's decision to halt further investment in the venture. Founded in 2016 and part of the health tech and commerce industry, Care/of had raised $46 million and was once valued at $225 million. The company is exploring options for a potential future revival but has no definitive plans at this time.

Running Tide representing approximately 100% of its workforce on 2024-06-15.

Medtronic on 2024-06-13.

VRChat, the social VR platform, has laid off approximately 30% of its workforce. The decision, announced by CEO Graham Gaylor in June 2024, was driven by a need to ensure the company's long-term health and growth after VR market expansion slowed significantly in 2022. While optimistic about its future mission to bring immersive social connection to billions, the company concluded its current team size was unsustainable. This restructuring aims to create a more nimble, focused organization capable of executing its multi-year plans, though it comes at the cost of parting with many talented employees.

SCiFi Foods, a cultivated meat startup, laid off an unspecified number of employees in early 2024 as part of a restructuring effort. The company, operating in the biotechnology and food technology industry, made this difficult decision to extend its financial runway and focus resources on core research and development priorities. While the exact scale of the layoffs relative to total workforce remains undisclosed, the move reflects broader challenges within the alternative protein sector, where many companies are streamlining operations to navigate a tighter funding environment and accelerate their path to commercialization.

Paxos laid off 65 employees representing approximately 20% of its workforce on 2024-06-12.

New York-based electric vehicle startup Revel is laying off over 1,000 staff ride-hail drivers in June 2024, effectively eliminating its employee-based model. The company, which operates an all-Tesla ride-hail service and EV charging infrastructure, is pivoting to a gig worker model similar to Uber and Lyft. This strategic shift follows a pilot program where drivers expressed a preference for greater flexibility over employee benefits. The layoffs represent a significant workforce reduction as Revel abandons a key differentiator to align with industry standards and address recruitment challenges.

MoonPay laid off 30 employees representing approximately 10% of its workforce on 2024-06-05.

Yext representing approximately 12% of its workforce on 2024-06-05.

Microsoft, the global technology giant, announced a restructuring on June 4, 2024, resulting in layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees. The cuts specifically targeted teams within the Mixed Reality organization, including those working on the HoloLens 2 headset, and the Azure for Operators and Mission Engineering teams focused on ambitious cloud "moonshot" projects. This move, part of the broader tech industry's ongoing adjustments, follows a larger round of over 10,000 layoffs the previous year. The company stated it remains committed to key defense contracts and the mixed reality ecosystem while continuing to shift its strategic focus, particularly toward significant investments in artificial intelligence.

Jasper Health, a cancer care platform startup, laid off approximately half of its workforce in late May 2024, impacting around 24 employees from its pre-layoff total of about 48. The cuts significantly affected departments including engineering and product design. The company, which had raised $31 million in venture capital led by General Catalyst, operates in the health tech industry as a small-scale startup. The layoffs reflect broader challenges in the sector, even for well-funded ventures, though specific reasons for the downsizing were not disclosed by the company's leadership, who did not respond to requests for comment.

Google has conducted another round of layoffs, this time making sweeping cuts within its Cloud unit in late May 2024. While the exact number of affected employees was not officially disclosed, internal reports suggest close to 100 roles were eliminated in the Asia-Pacific "Go To Market" teams alone, though the company stated the figure was lower. The layoffs impacted several teams, including consulting, partner engineering, and sustainability, and notably affected some recent hires and new recruits. As part of its ongoing business evolution, Google is restructuring to align with customer priorities and long-term strategic goals. These cuts in the technology and cloud computing industry reflect a continued trend within the company, which has been streamlining operations and relocating roles throughout the year.

Gro Intelligence, an agricultural insights platform, is shutting down after failing to secure sufficient capital to continue operations. The company, which had previously laid off 60% of its staff in March during a last-ditch funding effort, informed remaining employees this week of its closure, retaining only a skeleton crew to wind down. Founded in 2012 and once valued with an $85 million Series B round, Gro Intelligence faced challenges including a fundamental mismatch between its product and the market, reliance on a few key clients like Unilever, and unsuccessful attempts to expand its government and international business. The closure follows months of turbulence, including leadership changes, payroll issues, and ongoing investigations by the SEC and lawsuits from former employees over alleged labor law violations. The company, based in New York and Nairobi, operated in the agtech industry and had scaled to become one of TIME's 100 most influential companies in 2021 before its decline.

Tropic, a company in the SaaS industry, has announced a reduction in force affecting 40 employees as part of a restructuring effort. This decision stems from the company's strategic shift from a service-led business to a SaaS-focused model, aiming to accelerate growth and operate with a leaner, more agile team. While the exact total number of employees and percentage impacted aren't specified, the layoffs are described as not performance-based, with the company expressing gratitude for the contributions of those affected and offering support in their transition. The announcement was made recently, reflecting ongoing changes in the competitive tech landscape.

FlightStats laid off 73 employees on 2024-05-30.

In May 2024, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit responsible for coordinating the Internet's domain name system, implemented organizational changes, including layoffs, to address a structural financial deficit. Facing persistently high inflation, a 20% rise in travel costs, and stagnant to slightly declining funding, ICANN's projected operating expenses were exceeding its revenue. To ensure long-term financial stability and sustainability, the organization restructured, resulting in an unspecified number of staff reductions as part of broader cost-cutting measures.

Israeli startup Walnut, a developer of a sales and marketing demo experience platform, laid off 15 employees on May 29, 2024, which represents 20% of its total workforce. This follows a previous round of layoffs in 2023, and the company's team has been reduced by approximately 50% since then, from 120 to about 60 people. Walnut cited a need to adjust resource distribution and focus on core operations for efficiency, aligning with trends in the broader high-tech market. The company, which operates in the sales technology industry and has raised $56 million in funding, stated the restructuring impacts roles in Israel and other countries as part of updating its technological focus.

Struggling electric vehicle startup Fisker laid off hundreds of employees in late May 2024 as part of a desperate effort to conserve cash and stay afloat while seeking funding, a buyout, or preparing for potential bankruptcy. The layoffs were announced during an all-hands meeting after the company directed staff to work from home. Following several prior workforce reductions, including a 15% cut in February, estimates suggest only about 150 employees remain from the 1,135 reported in mid-April. The cuts were influenced by a major investor, with the company's restructuring officer having previously warned of over 300 layoffs if cash needs weren't met. Founder Henrik Fisker expressed a determined but somber outlook, emphasizing the continued sale of their Ocean SUV despite the severe downsizing in the competitive automotive industry.

Lucid Motors, an American electric vehicle manufacturer, announced a restructuring plan on May 24, 2024, resulting in layoffs of approximately 400 employees, which represents about 6% of its U.S. workforce. The decision, communicated by CEO Peter Rawlinson, aims to reduce costs as the company prepares for the crucial launch of its Gravity electric SUV later in the year. While the cuts affect various levels including leadership and mid-level management, hourly manufacturing and logistics staff are not impacted. This move, expected to incur $21 to $25 million in charges, reflects the competitive pressures in the EV industry, where several automakers are streamlining operations to improve profitability amidst ongoing financial challenges. Lucid reported increased revenue in Q1 2024 but continues to face operational losses, emphasizing the need for cost vigilance as it invests in future growth.

On May 23, 2024, location technology company Foursquare laid off 105 employees, representing approximately 25% of its workforce. The cuts were announced by CEO Gary Little in an email to staff, citing a need to streamline operations and achieve more sustainable financial footing. The layoffs impacted specific divisions, including Visits, OCF, and the Foursquare City Guide app, with work paused on several other initiatives. This move continues a trend of workforce reductions at the company, which evolved from a consumer check-in app into an enterprise data provider after its 2020 merger with Factual.

Denver-based Guild, an online worker education platform, laid off approximately 300 employees, representing about a quarter of its estimated 1,200-person workforce, on May 22, 2024. This marks the second significant workforce reduction in a year, following a 12% layoff in 2023. CEO Bijal Shah stated the cuts are part of a restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and innovation, despite the company's continued growth and its status as a tech unicorn valued at $4.4 billion. The edtech firm, which partners with major corporations like Walmart and Target, is offering affected employees severance and career transition support.

Silo, a Bay Area food supply chain software startup founded in 2018, laid off approximately 30% of its workforce, affecting over two dozen employees, on May 22, 2024. The company confirmed the across-the-board cuts, attributing them to recent financial difficulties stemming from a lending product issue where a customer defaulted, causing a banking partner to pause the service and impacting revenue. Amid these challenges, Silo is focusing on streamlining operations and is reportedly engaged in merger and acquisition discussions as it aims to stabilize and continue developing its supply chain management solutions for the perishables industry.

Cue Health laid off 180 employees representing approximately 100% of its workforce on 2024-05-22.

Israeli AI startup Joonko, which developed a platform to help companies with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, has effectively shut down after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, which employed around 50 people at its peak, laid off its entire workforce last summer following a major scandal. This collapse was triggered by the departure of its former CEO, Ilit Raz, amid serious allegations from the board of "egregious, unethical, and fraudulent conduct." The closure process is now being finalized by the COO, with the company planning to distribute its remaining $4.25 million to investors. Joonko had raised $29.5 million since its founding in 2016 and is currently under investigation by U.S. regulatory authorities.

SeekOut, an AI-powered recruiting startup based in Seattle and last valued at $1.2 billion, laid off approximately 30% of its workforce on Thursday, May 16, 2024. This marks the company's second round of layoffs, following a 7% reduction in October 2023 that left it with about 200 employees. The cuts are a strategic response to unsustainable financials, with leadership citing a cash burn problem where the company was spending roughly $2 to earn $1. To achieve a sustainable trajectory and refocus on high-impact initiatives, SeekOut is reducing staff to strengthen its financial position and maintain competitiveness in the talent acquisition industry, which has faced a tougher environment since the company's high-growth period in 2022.

Gopuff representing approximately 6% of its workforce on 2024-05-16.

Replit laid off 30 employees representing approximately 20% of its workforce on 2024-05-16.

Singularity 6, a video game developer known for titles like "Palia," laid off approximately 30 employees in early 2024. This reduction affected around 30-40% of its workforce, which was estimated to be about 80-100 employees prior to the cuts. The layoffs were part of a broader restructuring effort within the company, reflecting ongoing challenges and strategic shifts in the competitive gaming industry.

Atmosphere laid off 100 employees on 2024-05-15.

Mainvest representing approximately 100% of its workforce on 2024-05-14.

Indeed laid off 1,000 employees representing approximately 8% of its workforce on 2024-05-13.

Rivian, an American electric vehicle manufacturer, announced a workforce reduction in February 2024, affecting approximately 10% of its salaried employees. This move, part of a broader cost-cutting strategy, aims to improve operational efficiency amid a challenging market for EVs. The layoffs follow a previous reduction in 2023 and reflect the company's efforts to streamline operations and achieve profitability. Rivian operates in the automotive industry and is considered a major player in the electric vehicle sector.

Autonomous vehicle company Motional laid off approximately 550 employees, representing around 40% of its workforce, in a major restructuring effort in May 2024. The cuts affected nearly every team and office, including high-level departures like the COO, and led to the winding down of offices in Milpitas and Venice. This downsizing coincides with the company pausing commercial operations and delaying its robotaxi service launch until 2026, as it aims to conserve capital and refocus on improving its core technology and business model.

Vacasa, a property management company in the travel industry, laid off 800 employees, representing 13% of its total workforce, as part of a restructuring effort announced in late May 2024. This marks the fourth round of layoffs since CEO Rob Greyber took over in September 2022. The cuts disproportionately affected corporate and central operations, reducing those teams by 40%, while field staff saw a 6% reduction. The company aims to reorganize its operations to empower local teams to manage their markets more independently, significantly shrinking its central corporate footprint to improve efficiency and accountability.

Arkane Studios laid off 96 employees representing approximately 100% of its workforce on 2024-05-08.

Smart home startup Brilliant has laid off the majority of its workforce and is seeking a buyer after running out of cash, as confirmed by CEO Aaron Emigh in May 2024. The company, which manufactures smart light switches and controllers, failed to secure a Series C funding round or find an acquisition partner, leading to this drastic step. While the exact number of employees affected isn't specified, the layoffs encompass most staff and include the shutdown of the support center. Brilliant's products are no longer for sale, but the company maintains that existing devices will continue to operate as servers are kept online during this transition period.

Enovix laid off 170 employees representing approximately 33% of its workforce on 2024-05-06.

Tesla has laid off more employees as the layoffs continue into the fourth week, but specific numbers, reasons, and dates are not provided in the article.

Cue Health laid off 230 employees representing approximately 49% of its workforce on 2024-05-03.

Rivian, the Irvine-based electric vehicle manufacturer, announced approximately 150 job cuts on May 3, 2024, marking its second round of layoffs this year. This reduction, impacting mostly support and back-office roles, is attributed to challenging market conditions, including high interest rates and lower consumer demand. The move follows earlier cuts focused on product and commercial vehicle teams. Despite these workforce adjustments, the company is simultaneously expanding its operations in Illinois with significant state incentives. Rivian, a major player in the competitive automotive industry, continues to navigate the evolving EV market landscape.

Sprinklr, a New York-headquartered enterprise customer experience management platform, laid off approximately 116 employees, representing about 3% of its global workforce of 3,869, in early May 2024. The company stated the cuts were part of a strategic realignment of its customer operations organization to improve go-to-market efficiencies and better serve clients, with notifications going out in markets including the U.S. and India. This follows a previous reduction of about 4% in February 2023. Despite the layoffs, Sprinklr recently reported strong quarterly revenue growth and a return to GAAP operating income, indicating the move is aimed at restructuring for future growth rather than financial distress.

In May 2024, lidar technology company Luminar announced a major restructuring, laying off approximately 140 employees, which represents 20% of its workforce. The company, which supplies sensors to automakers like Volvo, is shifting to a more asset-light business model to reduce costs and accelerate production scaling. This move includes outsourcing more lidar production to its exclusive manufacturing partner, TPK Holding, and reducing its global facility footprint. CEO Austin Russell cited challenging capital market perceptions and the need for a new cost structure, aiming to cut annual operating costs by $50–65 million while focusing on profitability and faster product commercialization.

Bakkt, a cryptocurrency trading platform, announced layoffs on Friday, cutting 28 employees, which represents approximately 13% of its non-call center, full-time workforce. The company, operating in the fintech and crypto industry, is undertaking this reduction as part of broader cost-cutting measures amid market challenges. This move follows a trend of workforce adjustments in the tech and crypto sectors, with Bakkt's shares rising slightly in response to the news. The layoffs highlight ongoing volatility and restructuring efforts within the digital asset space.

Peloton, the connected fitness equipment company, announced a significant restructuring on Thursday, which includes laying off approximately 400 employees, representing 15% of its global workforce. This move is part of a broader effort to realign the company's cost structure with its current revenue, as it reported disappointing fiscal third-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations. The layoffs, alongside the departure of CEO Barry McCarthy, aim to reduce annual expenses by over $200 million by the end of fiscal 2025, with half the savings coming from payroll cuts. The hardest-hit departments include research and development, marketing, and international teams. This restructuring is intended to position Peloton for sustained positive cash flow while continuing to invest in innovation.

Assurance laid off 112 employees representing approximately 100% of its workforce on 2024-05-01.

Israeli insurtech startup Sproutt, which specialized in digital life insurance in the U.S., has declared insolvency and is heading for bankruptcy as of early May 2024. The company, which had raised $38 million and once reached a $200 million valuation, is unable to pay its debts, including $2.2 million to Bank Leumi and $740,000 to suppliers, while also owing unpaid employee salaries. Strategic missteps led to heavy expenses and estimated losses of about $33 million, as its subsidiary Aktibo failed to generate sufficient revenue to cover high marketing costs. The company's downfall marks a significant failure in the insurtech sector.

Google, the tech giant under parent company Alphabet, has laid off at least 200 employees from its critical "Core" organization, which handles the technical foundation and security for its flagship products. This move, confirmed in late April 2024, is part of a broader reorganization and cost-cutting strategy. The company is shifting these roles to lower-cost locations, specifically hiring corresponding positions in Mexico and India to operate closer to partners and developer communities. These layoffs, which included at least 50 engineering roles in Sunnyvale, California, continue a trend of downsizing that began in early 2023 when Alphabet cut 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its workforce. Despite a rebound in digital advertising, the company maintains its focus on restructuring and global workforce redistribution to optimize operations.

Peloton announced a new round of layoffs as part of a restructuring effort, coinciding with the CEO's resignation. The exact number of affected employees was not specified in the announcement.

In May 2024, ahead of its annual I/O developer conference, Google conducted layoffs affecting staff from key teams including Flutter, Dart, and Python, as part of broader organizational changes to streamline operations and align resources with major product priorities. While the exact number of employees impacted was not disclosed, the layoffs were described as targeted reorganizations rather than company-wide cuts, with affected individuals offered the opportunity to apply for other roles within the tech giant. Google emphasized these moves aim to reduce bureaucracy and focus investment on significant opportunities, maintaining that teams like Flutter and Dart remain committed to ongoing projects and updates.