Patreon cuts 20% of staff, cites AI directly

Patreon laid off 93 employees, 20% of staff, on July 23. CEO Jack Conte wrote that AI has changed how the company develops software, meaning it needs fewer people to reach the same output, while adding that AI is not a substitute for the creativity, judgment, and craftsmanship of his team. Laid-off staff get 16 weeks of severance plus a week per year worked, medical coverage through year-end, and a laptop stipend. The cuts come despite Patreon reporting revenue up 28%.