Handshake lays off 96 employees while launching new AI division

Handshake, the college-to-career platform often called “LinkedIn for students,” has laid off nearly 100 employees at its San Francisco headquarters as it pivots toward artificial intelligence. The cuts come as the company launches Handshake AI, a new division designed to connect academic experts with AI labs that need human feedback to train and validate models.

Key details: The layoffs affect 96 positions across multiple departments and will be implemented over the next few months.

• Most departures take effect this week, with some continuing through November and December.
• The cuts impact software engineers, recruiters, marketers, and senior managers at the company’s 225 Bush Street headquarters.
• None of the affected employees are unionized, according to the state regulatory filing.

The pivot strategy: Handshake is repositioning itself as “the career network for the AI economy” through its new AI-focused division.

• Handshake AI will connect graduate-level professionals and academic experts with AI laboratories requiring human feedback for model training and validation.
• CEO Garrett Lord described the launch as “the most ambitious chapter of our company story.”
• The company frames this shift as part of its mission to “help job seekers, universities, and employers lead in the AI economy.”

In plain English: AI companies need humans to review and improve their computer models—think of it like having teachers grade and correct AI’s homework. Handshake’s new division will match university experts and advanced professionals with these AI companies that need this human oversight.

Company background: Founded in 2014, Handshake has established itself as a significant player in the college recruitment space.

• The platform partners with more than 1,500 universities nationwide.
• It serves approximately 20 million students and alumni.
• The company operates under the legal name Stryder Corp.

What they’re saying: Company leadership expressed regret about the workforce reduction while emphasizing the strategic importance of the AI pivot.

• “We regret the need to implement this layoff,” wrote Camila Ribeiro, Handshake’s vice president of people, in the regulatory notice.
• All separations will be permanent, with employees notified individually about their status.