Crypto market intelligence platform Messari named former Chief Technology Officer Diran Li as its new CEO, confirming layoffs as part of a broader restructuring around AI.
The leadership change follows Eric Turner’s departure after less than two years in the role. Turner took over as interim CEO in July 2024 after founder Ryan Selkis resigned.
From Crypto Research Firm to AI-Native Platform
Li announced the transition on X (Twitter), acknowledging that the shift required difficult cuts.
“This transition also includes a difficult decision: we’ve parted ways with many teammates who helped build Messari into what it is today,” wrote Diran Li
The new CEO did not disclose how many employees were affected. Messari had already reduced headcount by roughly 15% in January 2025 under Turner’s watch.
Li framed the restructuring around a clear product thesis. Messari will now operate as an AI-first company serving institutional clients through research and AI-powered analytics tools.
Building for Agents, Not Just Analysts
The strategic pivot is already taking shape in Messari’s product stack. The company recently integrated AgentCash with its Messari AI tool, enabling terminal-based crypto analysis and on-chain payments via the x402 protocol.
Separately, Messari introduced sentiment and mindshare tracking through its AI capabilities, allowing users to measure market mood around specific digital assets.
Its institutional-grade API now covers over 40,000 assets and supports pay-per-request access via x402, lowering the barrier for developers and autonomous agents alike.
A Pattern Across the Industry
Messari’s restructuring fits a wider trend. OP Labs cut roughly 20% of its team last week, while Block Inc. eliminated nearly 4,000 positions last month. Gemini also trimmed 25% of its workforce recently.
For Messari’s part, however, Li is staking the company’s future on the convergence of AI and crypto data infrastructure.
While institutional demand is growing within this market, competition is also intensifying just as fast.
