Vimeo, the video-hosting platform, initiated layoffs across its global workforce following its acquisition by Bending Spoons, an Italian tech conglomerate. The move, first reported by Business Insider, follows Bending Spoons' all-cash acquisition of Vimeo last year for $1.38 billion. While Bending Spoons confirmed the layoffs to Business Insider, the specific number of employees affected was not disclosed. Reports from The Verge, citing a LinkedIn post from Vimeo's former VP of Global Brand and Creative, indicated that a significant portion of the company's total workforce was impacted.
The acquisition by Bending Spoons and subsequent layoffs occur within a competitive video-hosting market dominated by YouTube. Vimeo, founded in 2004, has faced challenges in establishing a strong foothold in this landscape. In response, the company has increasingly focused on integrating artificial intelligence into its platform. In 2023, Vimeo announced plans to launch AI-powered script-writing and video-editing tools. This was followed in October with the introduction of a suite of AI-powered creator tools designed to connect filmmakers' content directly to AI workflows.
The layoffs at Vimeo reflect a broader trend of restructuring and strategic realignment following acquisitions in the tech industry. Bending Spoons, known for acquiring and optimizing mobile apps, has a history of implementing operational changes within the companies it acquires. The acquisition of Vimeo signals Bending Spoons' entry into the video-hosting and AI-powered content creation space.
The future direction of Vimeo under Bending Spoons' ownership remains to be seen. The integration of AI tools and the focus on professional video creators could represent a path toward differentiation from YouTube's mass-market approach. However, the success of this strategy will depend on Bending Spoons' ability to effectively manage the company's resources and navigate the competitive landscape. TechCrunch has reached out to Vimeo and Bending Spoons for further comment.
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