Zero-knowledge scaling company StarkWare is cutting jobs and restructuring operations, shifting focus from infrastructure development to revenue-generating products. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson announced the firm will split into two independent business units and reduce headcount for faster, more efficient operations. One unit will concentrate on applications, the other on Starknet development.
Ben-Sasson stated the company will adopt a "startup mode" mindset, prioritizing fewer initiatives with higher revenue potential. Downsizing will affect employees across the organization, though specific numbers were not disclosed. This move aligns with a broader trend in the crypto industry, where firms are trimming staff and narrowing priorities to achieve stronger monetization and leaner operations.
StarkWare's next phase centers on transforming its technology into "meaningful revenue" and "meaningful usage." The company can no longer rely solely on external blockchains or third-party teams to validate its stack's value. Ben-Sasson emphasized focusing on "fewer things excellently" and prioritizing products with revenue potential that leverage its unique technological stack, innovating across both infrastructure and product.
These cuts follow similar actions by other crypto firms. In March, Messari announced layoffs alongside a leadership change as it pivoted deeper into artificial intelligence research. The Algorand Foundation cut 25% of its employees due to macro uncertainty and market downturns, aiming to better align resources with long-term priorities. Crypto.com also reduced its workforce by 12% as part of an AI integration strategy and resource prioritization for key growth areas.