AI startup D-ID lays off a quarter of its workforce just days after Microsoft deal
The Israeli company is cutting 22 employees, mostly in Israel, as part of an efficiency drive.
Israeli AI startup D-ID is laying off 22 employees, a quarter of its workforce, most of them in Israel. This comes just a week after the company announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft.
D-ID was founded in 2017 by Gil Perry, Sela Blundheim and Eliran Kota, former members of Israel’s 8200 Intelligence Unit. The company specializes in AI-based interactive avatars, focusing on corporate applications in customer experience, marketing, learning, and accessibility. To date, D-ID has raised $48 million, including a $25 million Series B round in March 2022. That round was led by investment firm Macquarie Capital, with significant investments from Pitango, AXA, OurCrowd, OIF, Maverick and Marubeni.
The company stated that as part of its efforts to streamline operations and prepare for accelerated growth, it has decided to implement a series of efficiency measures, including the layoffs of 22 employees—19 in Israel and three abroad—out of its total workforce of 88 worldwide.
Last week, D-ID announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft, under which its technology will help Microsoft business users transition seamlessly to an AI-driven future.
In a statement, the company said: "D-ID values and appreciates the contributions of the employees who have accompanied it along the way and is committed to assisting them in their next steps."
