Matter Labs is cutting 16% of its workforce as it carries out a restructuring. Matter Labs, the creator of the Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution ZKsync, announced the significant restructuring onn September 3, 2024, through its CEO and co-founder, Alex Gluchowski. Gluchowski revealed that this Matter Labs restructuring is part of a broader strategy to adapt to the company’s changing role within the increasingly decentralised ZKsync ecosystem.
Matter Labs has been at the forefront of Ethereum’s scaling solutions, with ZKsync standing out as a pioneering technology that leverages zero-knowledge proofs to enhance transaction throughput on the Ethereum network. However, as the ZKsync ecosystem has grown and decentralised, the role of Matter Labs has shifted, necessitating a rethink of its organisational structure.
In his announcement, Gluchowski stated, “The role of Matter Labs in the decentralised ZKsync ecosystem has evolved too. The launch of the Elastic Chain and ZK Nation was the right moment to re-evaluate our strategy, goals, and team composition.” This Matter Labs restructuring is aimed at aligning the company’s operations with the new realities of a decentralised ecosystem, where community governance and third-party developers are playing an increasingly significant role.
Impact of Matter Labs Restructuring on the Workforce
The Matter Labs restructuring has resulted in a 16% reduction in the company’s workforce. While layoffs are always a difficult decision, Gluchowski emphasised that the company has always thrived with a smaller, more agile team. “Our focus has always been on efficiency and innovation,” he noted, adding that the restructuring is a necessary step to ensure that Matter Labs continues to lead in the fast-paced blockchain industry.
Employees affected by the Matter Labs restructuring will receive severance packages, and Gluchowski expressed gratitude for their contributions. “We are committed to supporting our team members during this transition and are proud of the work they have done to help ZKsync become what it is today,” he said.
Matter Labs Restructuring, Decentralisation and the Future of ZKsync
The Matter Labs restructuring comes at a time when ZKsync is making significant strides towards full decentralisation. In September 2023, Matter Labs launched the ZKsync Ecosystem Portal in collaboration with DappRadar. This portal was a major milestone in the journey towards decentralising the ZKsync ecosystem, transferring control from Matter Labs to the broader community.
At the time of the portal’s launch, ZKsync spokespeople described the move as a “key step in transitioning ownership to the community.” They further explained that the next phases would involve the full decentralisation of the protocol’s technology, community governance, and critical infrastructure.
This decentralisation push has allowed third-party developers to take the lead in building on the ZKsync platform. Gluchowski highlighted that roughly 12 blockchain projects are expected to launch on ZKsync’s Elastic Chain ecosystem this year, signalling strong momentum despite the Matter Labs restructuring.
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Trademark Controversy and Industry Backlash
The Matter Labs restructuring follows a year of both significant achievements and controversies for the company. Earlier in 2024, Matter Labs found itself at the centre of a heated debate after it attempted to trademark the term “zero-knowledge.” This move was seen by many in the industry as an overreach, given that zero-knowledge proofs are a fundamental technology widely used across the blockchain sector.
Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, was among those who criticised the trademark attempt, likening it to a baker trying to claim exclusive rights to bread. The backlash was swift and widespread, ultimately forcing Matter Labs to withdraw its trademark applications in June 2024. This episode served as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and openness that the blockchain industry must maintain.
Despite the challenges, the Matter Labs restructuring positions the company to continue playing a pivotal role in the future of blockchain technology. With the ZKsync ecosystem becoming more decentralised, Matter Labs is adapting to a new reality where its role is less about direct control and more about enabling a vibrant, community-driven platform.
As the blockchain industry continues to mature, the Matter Labs restructuring is a testament to the need for companies to remain flexible and responsive to the shifting dynamics of the market. With decentralisation at the heart of its strategy, Matter Labs is poised to navigate the next phase of growth for ZKsync and beyond.
In conclusion, the Matter Labs restructuring marks a significant moment in the company’s history, reflecting its commitment to decentralisation and innovation. As the ZKsync ecosystem evolves, Matter Labs will continue to play a crucial role, albeit in a more supportive capacity, ensuring that the future of Ethereum scaling is both secure and scalable. The Bit Gazette has the latest crypto news and expert analysis.
