Web browser and search startup Brave has laid off 27 workers throughout the completely different departments, TechCrunch has realized. The firm confirmed the layoffs however didn’t give extra particulars in regards to the complete headcount left nor the rationale for the layoffs. PitchBook nonetheless estimates that Brave has round 191 workers, understanding to Brave chopping 14% of employees.
The new spherical of job cuts comes about 10 months after the corporate let go of 9% of its complete workforce in October 2023. At that point, Brave mentioned the cuts have been as a result of “value administration on this difficult financial atmosphere.”
After initially fashioning itself a ‘blockchain browser‘ and including a number of crypto-related options, Brave has extra not too long ago leaned into AI with its product releases this 12 months. The firm launched its AI assistant, Leo, on desktop, Android, iPad, and iPhone in a staggered launch cycle.
The firm built-in its personal search outcomes with its Leo chatbot in June. Users might, for instance, use the chatbot to ask in regards to the rating of a sports activities match, or get further context about an article they’re studying with out navigating to a search web page. The firm can also be promoting a Leo Premium subscription for $14.99 per thirty days for entry to higher fashions and better restrict charges.
Earlier this month, Brave began letting all customers hyperlink their very own fashions to make use of within the browser after testing the flexibility for a number of months.
Brave has not detailed the price of growing and working these AI-focused options, and it isn’t clear if that value linked to this wave of layoffs.
