Brave, the web browser and search startup, has made significant job cuts.
- The company let go of 27 staff members across various departments.
- This follows a previous layoff of 9% of its workforce just 10 months ago.
- Brave has recently added many AI features, including its Leo Assistant.
- The company hasn’t clarified if these cuts are linked to their new AI ventures.
Brave has confirmed a significant reduction in its workforce, letting go of 27 employees spread across different departments. However, the company has chosen not to disclose its current total headcount or the specific reasons behind these layoffs.
This move marks the second round of layoffs within a year. Back in October 2023, Brave cut 9% of its workforce, saying it was part of efforts for ‘cost management in this challenging economic environment.’
The layoffs come at a time when Brave has been rolling out several AI-related features. The company launched its AI assistant, Leo, which has been integrated into both search results and browser functions. Users can ask about sports scores or get extra context on articles without leaving the page.
Brave introduced Leo Premium this year, a subscription service costing $14.99 per month that offers access to advanced AI models and higher limit rates. Recently, the company enabled all users to link their own models for use within the browser.
While the company has not stated if the financial burden of these AI features played a role in the decision to lay off employees, the timing raises questions. It seems that the strides in enhancing AI capabilities might come with hidden costs.
Despite the advancements in AI, Brave’s recent layoffs highlight the challenges the company is facing.
Source: Techcrunch