Anjuna CEO Shares Lessons on Handling Layoffs with Compassion

Ayal Yogev discusses the challenges of scaling a startup and supporting employees during difficult times.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:37pm by Ben Kaplan

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal desk organizer, a sleek laptop, and a single potted plant against a clean, monochromatic grey background, conceptually representing the challenges of scaling a startup and the need for resilience in the face of changing market conditions.A minimalist still life captures the delicate balance between growth and resilience that startup founders must navigate.San Francisco Today

Ayal Yogev, the co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity startup Anjuna Security, shares his experiences navigating the ups and downs of the startup journey. After rapidly scaling Anjuna to 75 employees during the boom years, Yogev was forced to make the difficult decision to lay off a significant portion of his team when the market shifted. In this episode of the Build Mode podcast, Yogev unpacks what it means to lead through layoffs with empathy and transparency, and the lessons he learned about building a more resilient company the second time around.

Why it matters

Layoffs are an unfortunate reality for many startups, and how founders handle these situations can have a major impact on employee morale, retention, and a company's long-term success. Yogev's insights provide a valuable playbook for other founders on navigating these challenging moments with compassion.

The details

Anjuna Security grew quickly from a small team to 75 employees during the startup boom years. However, when the market shifted, Yogev was forced to make the difficult decision to lay off a significant portion of his staff. In this episode, Yogev shares how he approached the layoffs with empathy and transparency, going beyond just financial compensation to support his employees. He also reflects on the lessons he learned about scaling too quickly and the importance of building a resilient company culture that can withstand tough times.

  • Anjuna Security grew to 75 employees during the startup boom years.
  • Yogev had to make the difficult decision to lay off a significant portion of his staff when the market shifted.

The players

Ayal Yogev

Co-founder and CEO of Anjuna Security, a cybersecurity startup.

Anjuna Security

A cybersecurity startup that Yogev co-founded and led as CEO.

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What they’re saying

“The hardest part of leadership isn't hiring fast — it's making tough decisions with care, transparency, and integrity.”

— Ayal Yogev, Co-founder and CEO, Anjuna Security

What’s next

Yogev plans to share more insights on rebuilding Anjuna Security and creating a more resilient company culture in future episodes of the Build Mode podcast.

The takeaway

Yogev's experience highlights the importance of leading with compassion during difficult times and learning from setbacks to build a stronger, more adaptable organization. His lessons can serve as a valuable guide for other startup founders navigating the challenges of rapid growth and unexpected market shifts.