According to ChainCatcher, The Block reports that zero-knowledge proof scaling developer StarkWare has announced layoffs and internal restructuring. Co-founder and CEO Eli Ben-Sasson stated at an all-hands meeting that the company is "too big" and needs to return to a "startup model" to accelerate product-market fit. The specific number of layoffs and the timeline have not yet been disclosed, but the company has promised to provide severance pay exceeding legal requirements.
Following the restructuring, StarkWare will be divided into two independent business units: one is the revenue-driven applications division, headed by current CPO Avihu Levy, focusing on developing monetization products on its proprietary technology stack; the other is the Starknet development division, led by current product manager Tom Brand. Each unit will have its own independent engineering, product, and marketing teams.
Strategically, StarkWare plans to gain full control of the complete blockchain proof technology stack, including Cairo, Sierra, and quantum-resistant STARK cryptography, reducing its reliance on external Layer 1 blockchain and application teams. Ben-Sasson stated that the company will shift from "doing many things well" to "doing a few things exceptionally well," focusing on high-potential, high-value areas that only StarkWare can achieve. Furthermore, COO Oren Katz has applied for resignation and will officially leave at the end of April.
