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Luminar secures up to $200M following CEO departure and layoffs
LAZRLuminar Technologies(LAZR) TechCrunch·2025-05-22 00:30

Core Insights - Luminar has secured a deal with Yorkville Advisors Global and another unnamed investor to raise up to 200millionthroughthesaleofconvertiblepreferredstockoveran18monthperiod[1]Thecompanyhasundergonesignificantleadershipchanges,withfounderAustinRussellreplacedbyPaulRicciasCEOandboardchair,alongsideanewroundoflayoffs[2]FinancialArrangementLuminarwillinitiallyissue200 million through the sale of convertible preferred stock over an 18-month period [1] - The company has undergone significant leadership changes, with founder Austin Russell replaced by Paul Ricci as CEO and board chair, alongside a new round of layoffs [2] Financial Arrangement - Luminar will initially issue 35 million in convertible preferred stock, with the option to issue additional tranches of up to 35millionevery60daysatapurchasepriceof9635 million every 60 days at a purchase price of 96% of the stated value [3] - The proceeds from the initial issuance are intended for general corporate purposes and debt retirement, enhancing the company's financial flexibility [4] Company Background - Luminar was founded in 2012 and gained prominence during the autonomous vehicle technology boom, merging with Gores Metropoulos Inc. in 2021 at a market valuation of 3.4 billion, but currently has a market cap of $179 million [5][7] - The company has faced challenges, including multiple restructurings and a workforce reduction of about 30% in 2024, resulting in the layoff of 212 employees [8]