Pocket FM Layoffs

At its Bengaluru operations, Pocket FM cut more than 100 employees in May 2026, about 10% of its workforce, with reports suggesting further reductions of up to 15% could follow by the end of June. The audio-series platform described the move as performance-related, aimed at improving operational efficiency and revenue per employee. A company spokesperson disputed the characterization, saying that calling it large-scale layoffs was inaccurate and that the changes amounted to role-specific performance reviews. Of those affected, roughly 90 to 100 accepted severance with notice, while 30 to 40 were given time to improve performance, with system access expected to be restricted by July 2026. The cuts came despite strong reported financials, including roughly $450 million in annual recurring revenue and a recent $103 million raise.

Reason: performance-related efficiency push

Source: entrackr.com

Pocket FM disclosed a workforce reduction affecting its Bengaluru operations in January 16, 2025. Approximately 75 roles were eliminated.

Source: yourstory.com

Pocket FM let go of around 200 US-based writers in late July 2024, one month after the audio streaming platform struck a partnership with AI voice company ElevenLabs. The Bengaluru-based company described those affected as short-term contract workers rather than full-time staff, and said the cuts were made "to align our resources with our current show pipeline." A spokesperson added that the changes were "typical in the content creation industry" and did not reflect on the company's overall health. Pocket FM had raised $103 million in a Series D led by Lightspeed Ventures earlier in 2024, and its India operations reported 663% revenue growth in FY23.

Reason: Resource reallocation aligned with show pipeline, AI integration

Source: inc42.com