Redis Software Cuts 27% of Israeli Workforce Amid Leadership Shift to US

Redis, once a flagship success story of Israeli high-tech, is undergoing significant changes that are reshaping its identity. Founded in 2011 by Israeli entrepreneurs Ofer Bengal and Yiftach Shoolman, the company grew steadily around the open-source Redis technology, becoming a leading global software infrastructure firm valued at over $2 billion. However, recent years have seen a shift in leadership and operations, with both founders stepping down from active management roles and an American CEO, Rowan Trollope, taking the helm in February 2023.

Alongside this leadership transition, Redis has announced layoffs of approximately 80 employees in Israel, representing about 27% of its local workforce. This move raises questions about the diminishing Israeli character of the company, which was born and developed in Israel. Despite the cuts, Redis maintains that Israel remains its largest development center globally, continuing to lead major technological decisions and recently appointing a senior Israeli executive as Vice President of Development. The company also extended its lease in Tel Aviv for another decade, signaling ongoing investment in its Israeli base.

Financially, Redis reports strong performance, surpassing $300 million in annual revenue early this year, driven largely by growing demand for AI infrastructure. Its customer base has expanded to around 12,000 paying clients, including over 50 who pay more than $1 million annually, and about one-third of Fortune 100 companies are clients.

Meanwhile, the founders have embarked on new ventures: Ofer Bengal launched RiverPool in 2025, focusing on AI-driven data infrastructure and analytics, while Yiftach Shoolman co-founded the defense tech startup LINE 5, which recently raised $20 million in seed funding. LINE 5 aims to develop technologies to reduce risks for soldiers on the battlefield.

The changes at Redis reflect broader trends in the software industry, where AI tools are reshaping workforce needs and operational models. While the layoffs may indicate efficiency drives enabled by AI, it remains unclear if further reductions will occur outside Israel. The company's evolution highlights the tension between its Israeli roots and its growing Americanized leadership and global footprint.