Science & Technology

How to handle layoffs with compassion with Ayal Yogev, Anjuna

This week’s guest is Ayal Yogev, co-founder and CEO of Anjuna Security, who has experienced both sides of the startup journey: scaling quickly during the boom years and then making the incredibly difficult decision to lay off a significant portion of his team when the market shifted. From growing to 75 employees to scaling back…

Published

4 months ago

April 9, 2026

CYBER TECH TV

From growing to 75 employees to scaling back and rebuilding, Yogev learned firsthand that the hardest part of leadership isn’t hiring fast, it’s making tough decisions with care, transparency, and integrity.

In this episode, Isabelle Johannessen and Yogev unpack what it really means to lead through layoffs with compassion and how founders can support their teams even in the most challenging moments. They also explore the lessons learned from scaling too quickly and how to build a more resilient company the second time around.

Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast.
TechCrunch Disrupt: If you’re thinking about applying to Startup Battlefield, then October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, we’re back for TechCrunch Disrupt, where the Startup Battlefield 200 takes the stage. So if you want to cheer them on, or just network with 1000s of founders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, then grab your tickets.

Use code buildmode15 for 15% off any ticket type.

New episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Hosted by Isabelle Johannessen. Produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience development led by Morgan Little. Special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.

Chapters:
00:00 We grew too fast
02:30 What Anjuna actually does
04:45 Scaling the team quickly
06:10 The market crash hits
09:40 Handling layoffs with empathy
12:10 Supporting employees the right way
15:30 Why culture matters in crisis
20:50 The hiring mistake founders make
27:40 When to scale your sales team
34:40 Rebuilding after layoffs

Up Next

Americans loved drinking radioactive ‘miracle water’ in 1920s

Don't Miss

First Look at Dyson’s $99 HushJet Mini Cool Portable Fan 🪭

1 Comment

@eatmanyzoos

April 10, 2026 at 12:10 pm

why not be smart enough to create something that can survive in any market? unless you have no creativity and make decisions based on trends and data and not the human spirit.

Reply

CNET

A Robot That Can Fly and Swim Like a Bird | #WhatTheFuture

This robotic creation from MIT is based on aquatic birds that can both dive into the ocean waters as well as soar into the sky. Video Credits: Producer: Jesse Orrall Video Editor: Jon Gomez Add CNET as a trusted news source Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉 Check out CNET’s Amazon…

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2026

CYBER TECH TV

This robotic creation from MIT is based on aquatic birds that can both dive into the ocean waters as well as soar into the sky.

Video Credits:
Producer: Jesse Orrall
Video Editor: Jon Gomez

Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:

#whatthefuture #robotics #mit #robot #machines

CNET

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Why This Is My Favorite New Foldable | All Things Mobile

Samsung’s passport-sized phone is built for all your scrolling, binge-watching and reading. The $1,900 price is steep, but it has some strong selling points that won me over. You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Unlocked Cell Phone Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Phone *Cnet may…

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2026

CYBER TECH TV

Samsung’s passport-sized phone is built for all your scrolling, binge-watching and reading. The $1,900 price is steep, but it has some strong selling points that won me over.

You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Unlocked Cell Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Phone
*Cnet may get commission on this offer.

Read more about it on CNET.com
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Passport-Size Shape-Shifter for Every Moment
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Z Fold 7: Improved Battery, Screen and a Higher Price

0:00 Intro & Design Concept
0:59 Lightweight & Ultra-Thin Build
1:19 Cover Display & Usability
1:37 Inner Screen & Multitasking
2:32 Screen Crease & Durability Tests
3:17 Anti-Reflective Coating & Brightness
3:32 IP48 Water & Dust Resistance
3:55 Wireless Charging & Qi2 Compromise
4:17 Battery Life Improvements
4:56 Camera Specs & Photo Quality
5:44 Processor & AI Features
7:18 Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Video Credits:
Host: Abrar Al-Heeti
Camera Operator: Celso Bulgatti
Video Editor: Dillon Lopez
Thumbnail Designer: Zooey Liao

#zfold8 #zfold8ultra #samsung #samsunggalaxy #foldphone #foldable

CNET

Meet the Flying, Swimming Robot Inspired by Aquatic Birds | What The Future

Researchers at MIT have created a new robot inspired by aquatic birds that uses waterproof wings to transition from flying to swimming. Watch more What The Future videos on CNET.com Video Credits: Host: Jesse Orrall Video Editor: Jon Gomez Thumbnail Designer: Cole Kan Footage: MIT Add CNET as a trusted news source Never miss a…

Published

3 days ago

August 9, 2026

CYBER TECH TV