Fiverr slashes 30% of its workforce to intensify its focus on artificial intelligence
In a move that could reshape the freelance landscape, Fiverr, the popular online platform connecting businesses with freelancers worldwide, has announced plans to lay off 30% of its workforce. The restructuring aims to turn the company into an 'AI-first' platform, a decision that mirrors Tech firm Salesforce's investment in AI agents to automate customer service and operations. This shift raises questions about the future value of human talent, particularly from Africa, in an AI-driven marketplace. Fiverr's CEO, Micha Kaufman, explained that the restructuring will make the company leaner, faster, with a modern AI-focused tech infrastructure and a smaller, more productive workforce. He assured that the layoffs will not significantly impact Fiverr's marketplace operations in the short term. For many Africans, particularly Nigerians, Fiverr has been a significant source of income, providing access to global clients for freelancers in areas such as design, writing, and programming across the continent. However, the pivot to automation could mean increased competition for African freelancers, especially in fields where automation is progressing rapidly. The competition may be particularly intense in these areas, with the platform's focus on AI potentially favouring automated services over human talent. The African countries where most affected Fiverr freelancers are located include Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. Despite the challenges, Fiverr intends to reinvest some of the savings from the layoffs into the business, ensuring its continued growth and success in the AI-driven marketplace. The company remains committed to its mission of empowering people around the world to turn their passions into a business, and it will be interesting to see how this restructuring impacts that mission in the long term.
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