Squarespace to lay off 19% of workforce, affecting about 300 people
Product and engineering face most of the reductions as the website builder moves toward smaller teams and a simpler organizational structure.
About 300 employees will lose their jobs at Squarespace in a workforce reduction of 19%, The Verge reported. A memo reviewed by Business Insider identified product and engineering as the areas most affected. The website-building company employs about 1,800 people worldwide.
Chief executive Anthony Casalena told employees in the memo that the business needed to adapt its operating model, outlining plans for smaller teams and a simpler organization. A company spokesperson described the changes as an effort to clarify priorities and increase operational speed.
The memo outlined severance starting at 16 weeks of base pay, with tenure determining additional weeks. Departing employees will retain benefits through May 2027 and can keep their work laptops. Support will also continue for employees with work visas.
Business Insider reported that Casalena subsequently spoke to employees staying at the company through a roughly one-minute livestream with comments switched off. The company also plans a separate all-hands meeting.
Permira took Squarespace private in October 2024. Squarespace has also introduced Blueprint, an AI tool for building websites and generating written content. Neither Squarespace nor The Verge said AI was responsible for the job cuts.
