Messari changed CEO and laid off part of the team - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, future

Froklog · 2026-03-17T08:44:13+00:00

Messari has appointed Diran Li as the new CEO, succeeding Eric Turner, who stepped down. The transition includes layoffs aimed at realigning the company towards AI-focused research and products for institutional clients.

Froklog

2026-03-17 08:44:13

Abstract generation in progress

# Messari has changed its CEO and laid off part of the team

The cryptocurrency analytics company Messari has changed leadership and conducted a new wave of layoffs. Eric Turner has stepped down as CEO.

Today, I stepped down as CEO of Messari and handed the reins to Diran. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one for the company’s next phase, and he has my full support.

It’s also a difficult day for the team as we say goodbye to many people who helped build Messari.… https://t.co/nAVtjIzBeZ

— Eric Turner (@eric_turner) March 16, 2026

The new CEO is Diran Lee, who previously worked as CTO for seven years.

The company has not disclosed the exact number of layoffs. According to the new leader, the staffing decisions are related to a change in strategy — Messari plans to become an AI-focused company. The focus will now shift to research and products based on artificial intelligence for institutional clients.

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

Turner temporarily led the platform from July 2024 after the resignation of founder Ryan Selkis. This is not the first time Messari has laid off employees: in January 2025, the company cut about 15% of its staff. The platform also took similar steps in February 2023.

The company has been moving toward artificial intelligence since 2024. On March 13, 2026, Lee announced the implementation of the x402 protocol. This solution allows developers and autonomous AI agents to directly purchase on-chain data and pay for it through crypto wallets.

Messari continues the overall market trend of combining blockchain and artificial intelligence. Previously, similar initiatives were started by Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, MARA Holdings, and Hut 8.

It is worth recalling that in January, Mantra project CEO John Patrick Mullen announced a restructuring that includes layoffs of an unspecified number of employees.

CORE-0.7%

MANTRA-2.33%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

2 Likes