# Patreon Lays Off 20% of Its Workforce CEO Jack Conte explains the decision to adjust the cost structure. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ffd7a07f-8834-48bd-85fd-31cbb6461667 ## Patreon's Layoff Decision Patreon is laying off 20% of its workforce, CEO Jack Conte announced. This decision stems from the need to adjust the platform's cost structure and respond to market changes. Conte described the move as 'painful' but necessary. ## The Role of AI Conte emphasized that AI has fundamentally transformed the tech industry but clarified that these layoffs are not due to AI replacing humans. He stated that AI cannot replace creativity and human connection, which are central to Patreon's strategy. ## Restructuring Process In addition to layoffs, Patreon is restructuring its operations by 'flattening' its organizational chart and refocusing teams around top priorities. This process aims to make the company more efficient and focused. ## Support for Affected Employees Laid-off employees will receive at least 16 weeks of severance pay, with an additional week for each year worked. They will also have healthcare coverage through the end of the year and a $1,500 stipend to replace their company laptop. ## Measures Against AI Bots Last week, Patreon announced a partnership with Cloudflare to block access to AI bots that train their models using creators' work without permission. This step was taken due to the increasing sophistication of AI scraping techniques. ## Previous Layoffs These layoffs mark Patreon's largest workforce reduction since it cut 17% of its staff in 2022. During that earlier round of layoffs, the company also closed its offices in Berlin and Dublin. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/23/patreon-lays-off-off-20-of-its-workforce/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._