MediaJP

SmartNews Layoffs

January 2023

SmartNews announced a layoff affecting 120 employees (40% of its workforce) in January 2023. The company operates in the Media sector.

Share:
People Affected

120

Percentage

40%

Announced Date

Jan 12, 2023

Company Information

Industry
Media
Country
JP
Region
Tokyo, Non-U.S.
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2026

About

On January 12, 2023, Tokyo-based news aggregator SmartNews, a company valued at $2 billion, laid off approximately 120 employees, representing 40% of its workforce in the U.S. and China. The cuts primarily affected roles in engineering, product, and data science. The company, which employs nearly 900 people globally, cited challenging economic conditions as the reason for the restructuring. Following the announcement, which was made during a remote all-hands meeting, SmartNews also indicated plans for further voluntary departures in its home market of Japan. The layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline operations amid a difficult market environment for the tech and media industry.

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