Venture(US:VEMLY) 3 6 Ke·2025-09-17 07:32Core Viewpoint - Fiverr is undergoing a significant transformation to become an "AI-first" company, resulting in the layoff of 250 employees, approximately 30% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency through AI integration [1][4][5]. Group 1: Company Restructuring - The layoffs are part of Fiverr's strategy to streamline operations and reduce management layers, with the CEO emphasizing the need for a more agile and flat organizational structure [1][4]. - Fiverr's CEO, Micha Kaufman, indicated that the company aims to leverage AI to automate processes and improve operational efficiency, thereby reducing the need for a large workforce [5][6]. - The company expects to save approximately $30 million annually from the layoffs, with some of the funds being reinvested into AI talent recruitment [3][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Projections - Fiverr has reaffirmed its revenue guidance for Q3 2025, projecting revenues between $425 million and $438 million [3]. - The company anticipates achieving a long-term adjusted EBITDA margin of 25% by 2026, one year ahead of its original target, as it continues to enhance efficiency through AI [3][5]. - At its peak in February 2021, Fiverr's market capitalization reached around $11 billion, but its stock price has significantly declined to approximately $23 per share following the announcement of the layoffs [2][3]. Group 3: Market Context and Reactions - The shift towards an "AI-first" strategy is becoming common in the tech industry, with companies like Duolingo also announcing similar transformations [7]. - There is growing concern among Fiverr's freelancer community regarding the impact of AI on their work, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the increasing use of AI to fulfill service orders [6][7]. - Despite the potential backlash, Fiverr's management remains committed to the AI strategy, believing it will ultimately enhance the platform's value and efficiency [6][7].