Brave, the web browser and search startup, has recently announced a round of layoffs, resulting in 27 employees losing their jobs. While the company has confirmed the job cuts, they have not provided specific details regarding the total headcount or the reasons behind the layoffs. However, these layoffs represent a significant portion of the company’s workforce, as Brave is estimated to have around 191 employees, according to PitchBook.
This is not the first time that Brave has implemented job cuts. Just ten months ago, in October 2023, the company let go of 9% of its total workforce. At that time, Brave cited the need for “cost management in this challenging economic environment” as the reason for the layoffs. It is unclear if similar economic factors played a role in the recent job cuts.
In recent months, Brave has focused on integrating cryptocurrency-related features and expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI). The company introduced an AI assistant named Leo, which was made available on desktop, Android, iPad, and iPhone through a staggered release cycle. Leo was designed to enhance users’ browsing experience by providing search results and contextual information without leaving the page.
To further monetize its AI capabilities, Brave launched a Leo Premium subscription for $14.99 per month. This subscription provides users with access to better AI models and higher usage limits. Additionally, Brave allowed users to link their own AI models to the browser, offering a more customizable experience.
It remains unclear whether the development and maintenance costs associated with these AI-focused features contributed to the recent layoffs at Brave. However, it is worth noting that developing and running AI technologies can be resource-intensive, requiring significant investments in research, development, and infrastructure.
Despite the job cuts, Brave continues to position itself as an innovative player in the web browsing industry, leveraging AI to enhance user experiences. As the company navigates the challenges of a rapidly evolving market and economic uncertainties, it will be interesting to see how Brave’s AI-driven strategy evolves and if it will lead to long-term success.
