Ethereum Layer-2 Optimism Reportedly Cuts Over 20% of Team

Optimism is conducting significant layoffs, with more than 20% of its team reportedly impacted, according to internal sources familiar with the situation.

Multiple sources told BeInCrypto that the cuts began circulating internally on Tuesday, affecting staff across several teams involved in protocol development and ecosystem initiatives. The exact number of employees affected has not yet been publicly confirmed.

Some employees have begun acknowledging the layoffs on social media. 

OP Token Suffered a Massive Blow in the Bear Market

The layoffs come during a difficult period for the project’s token. The OP token has fallen sharply in recent months and is currently trading around $0.12, down more than 55% year-to-date, according to market data.

Optimism is one of the largest Ethereum Layer-2 networks, built to scale the Ethereum ecosystem using optimistic rollup technology. 

The project also leads the OP Stack infrastructure initiative, which powers several chains across the emerging “Superchain” ecosystem, including networks such as Base.

It remains unclear whether the layoffs are tied to broader restructuring efforts, market conditions, or internal strategic shifts around the Superchain roadmap.

Optimism has not yet issued an official statement about the reported workforce reductions.

This is a developing story. We will update this report if further information becomes available or if Optimism provides an official response.