LinkedIn Cuts Most Staff at Israeli R&D Center but Keeps Office Open

LinkedIn is laying off the majority of employees at its research and development center in Tel Aviv, which was established after acquiring the Israeli startup Oribi. The center, estimated to employ around 50 people, will retain a small number of staff to continue regular business operations. LinkedIn confirmed the Tel Aviv office will remain open but did not specify how many employees will stay.

The company stated the organizational changes aim to focus teams and business priorities on areas with the highest impact for users and customers, positioning LinkedIn for future success. The Israeli R&D center was founded in February 2022 following LinkedIn's acquisition of Oribi, a startup specializing in user behavior analysis and no-code optimization technologies. Oribi was founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneur Iris Shoor and had raised approximately $27 million in funding before the acquisition.

Although LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, the Israeli center operates as an independent entity separate from the parent company's main development hub. The Tel Aviv office focuses on technology, engineering, and product development, integrating Oribi's technology into LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. The acquisition was valued at tens of millions of dollars. LinkedIn's decision reflects a strategic realignment rather than a complete shutdown of its Israeli presence.