An AI crypto startup says it's going 'AI-native' by slashing 25% of its workforce (www.businessinsider.com)

0G Labs, a San Francisco startup specializing in blockchain technology for AI agents, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, slashing about 25% of its staff. This move is part of the company's shift to become "AI-native," as stated by CEO Michael Heinrich in a leaked internal email. Heinrich emphasized the necessity for employees to leverage AI daily to achieve a productivity increase of "20x" their previous outputs, citing that while human judgment remains crucial, AI agents should now handle tasks traditionally performed by humans. This pivot towards AI efficiency is notable within the tech landscape, particularly as the industry experiences a wave of AI-driven layoffs. 0G Labs, which was previously valued at $2 billion and raised around $350 million in funding, has seen a stark decline of over 80% in the price of its crypto token since launch—a factor that could have influenced their decisions, though they did not comment on this. By operating with fewer employees and embracing AI technology internally, 0G Labs aims to model the efficiencies they are promoting in the broader market, potentially setting a precedent for other startups facing similar pressures.