Renowned crypto market data research platform Messari announces CEO Eric Turner’s resignation and simultaneous staff cuts to accelerate transformation into an AI-centric research platform serving institutional clients.
(Background: CZ comments on Block laying off 4,000 employees: If you don’t maximize AI, you’re waiting to be cut.)
(Additional context: Crypto builders are collectively leaving for AI; intelligent systems companies may be the ultimate answer for Web3.)
Messari’s core leadership quietly changed hands earlier. CTO Diran Li announced on X platform this morning that, after discussions with the board, he will assume the role of CEO, while former CEO Eric Turner will take on an advisory role.
Turner also confirmed this transition on social media, stating he will continue to support the company’s development as an advisor. Turner took over Messari in 2024, succeeding founder Ryan Selkis, who resigned after posting a series of controversial messages on X.
Today I’m stepping into the CEO role at Messari. After conversations with Eric and the board, we agreed this is the right step for the company’s next chapter.
This transition also includes a difficult decision: we’ve parted ways with many teammates who helped build Messari into…
— Diran Li (@diran_li) March 16, 2026
New leadership, new layoffs
Along with the leadership change, Messari has also initiated layoffs. Li wrote in the announcement:
“This transformation also involves a difficult decision: we have parted ways with many partners who helped build Messari.”
He did not disclose the exact number of layoffs. Li explained that this restructuring aims to position Messari as an “AI-first” company, providing research and AI-driven products to serve institutional clients.
Layoff wave sweeps through the crypto industry
In fact, Messari’s layoffs are not isolated in the crypto space recently. Last week, Optimism developer OP Labs announced cutting about 20% of its staff to focus resources on fewer priority projects; last month, Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc. also announced layoffs of nearly 4,000 employees; the exchange Gemini cut 25% of its staff to focus on its U.S. domestic operations.
Founded in 2018, Messari has long been known for publishing analysis reports on emerging crypto sectors and providing market data. Now, with its AI transformation, market watchers are keen to see if this veteran research firm can regain footing in the new wave.
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