On January 6th, according to a report from foreign media, sources close to GoPro revealed that the company is set to lay off between 200 and 300 employees this week. The majority of these cuts are expected to impact the aerial photography division, which manages the Karma drone line. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at better aligning the company’s resources with its current business needs.
In an internal message to staff, GoPro confirmed that the layoffs are part of a strategic shift. While the exact reasons for the decision remain unclear, it's widely believed that the company is trying to streamline operations and focus on more profitable areas. Affected employees will retain their salaries until February 16, and the official announcement is expected to come after CES, possibly alongside the release of the next quarterly earnings report.
GoPro’s entry into the drone market has been anything but smooth. Since the launch of the Karma, the product has faced numerous challenges, including technical issues and a major recall after reports of drones falling from the sky. The company attributed some of these problems to battery disconnections and temporarily halted sales of the device. A return to the market in February helped boost financial performance, but the Karma never fully regained its initial appeal.
One of the main competitors that took away market share was DJI, which introduced its own compact drones like the Mavic Pro and Spark. Initially, there were reports that GoPro had partnered with DJI on the Karma project, but the collaboration never fully materialized. DJI’s strong presence in the drone industry made it difficult for GoPro to gain traction in this new space. In addition, GoPro has also explored partnerships with other drone manufacturers, such as 3DR in Southern California.
Over the years, diversification has been a key strategy under CEO Nick Woodman. With the rise of smartphone cameras and cheaper alternatives, GoPro has needed to look beyond its core action camera business. Drones and virtual reality have become important growth areas, but these efforts have not always delivered consistent results. For instance, GoPro’s entertainment division was hit by layoffs in late 2016, followed by another round of cuts in March 2017.
Despite some improvements in revenue in 2017, the company’s attempts to cut costs and refocus have only provided temporary relief. The recent layoffs suggest that GoPro is still struggling to find a sustainable path forward in a competitive market. As it continues to evolve, the company must balance innovation with financial stability—something it has yet to fully achieve.
(From: TechCrunch | Compiled by: NetEase Smart News | Reporter: nariii)51V Battery Pack,Portable Battery Box,Portable Battery Bank,Ac Battery Pack
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