Guiding Early-Stage Founders Through Painful 30% Headcount Reductions
First-time founders delay layoffs until they run out of money. Here is how seasoned venture partners coach founders to cut once, cut deep, and treat employees with dignity.
Amit KasliwalCEO & Founder, Dehurdle
September 14, 20234 min read
The 'Cut Once, Cut Deep' Coaching Script
Recommended Spoken Script
What to say to the founder: "Doing two 10% layoffs 3 months apart destroys company morale permanently. If you need to extend runway from 6 to 24 months, make one comprehensive 30% reduction today. Provide generous severance, write LinkedIn recommendations for everyone affected, and give the remaining team total clarity that no more cuts are coming."
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
2-Minute Spoken Drill
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
Practice founder crisis coaching in Dehurdle.