Crypto research and market analytics platform Messari is undergoing a massive transformation. A recent announcement was made about the leadership transition and restructuring of the firm. CEO Eric Turner is stepping down, and the company is laying off some employees as it shifts to become an AI-first business.
Messari CEO steps down
Diran Li, who was previously the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), will now take over as the new CEO. Eric Turner confirmed the news on social media and said he will stay with the company as an advisor.
The leadership change comes with the restructuring of the firm. The company has carried out layoffs, though it did not reveal exactly how many people were affected. In a post on X, Diran Li said it was a tough decision to part ways with teammates who helped build Messari. He thanked them for their contributions and offered to help them find new opportunities.
Shifting to an AI-first strategy
Messari’s core focus is to become an AI-first company. The goal is to better serve institutional clients by bringing traditional and AI-powered tools together.
Messari is known for its market research intelligence and reports. It offers subscription-based research reports, analytical coverage of emerging crypto sectors, and comprehensive market data.
This is not the first round of job cuts at Messari. The company made earlier layoffs in 2025.
Recently, many other crypto firms have reduced their workforce as part of a wider wave of layoffs across the industry in 2026. Gemini in February announced that it would cut 25% of its workforce, around 200 jobs, while closing operations in the UK, EU, and Australia to focus mainly on the US and Singapore.
Gemini cited higher productivity from AI as one reason it could run efficiently with fewer people. Many other crypto firms, including OP Labs and Block Inc., have also reduced their teams recently.
In a recent interview with AltCoinDesk, David Arnež, CEO and Co-Founder of Inflectiv AI, explained why crypto layoffs are increasing, stating that the industry is going through a normalization phase after a speculative bull run, during which companies hired aggressively and leaned more on hype than on actual revenue.
Messari last raised money in 2022 at a valuation of around $300 million. Major investors, including Point72 Ventures and Galaxy Digital, backed the company.
