Gitcoin announces closure of Grants Lab, its main software development arm

On April 25th, Gitcoin co-founder Kevin Owocki posted on social media that Gitcoin will be closing its main software development department, Grants Lab, and bidding farewell to some outstanding team members. This is one of the most difficult decisions since Gitcoin was founded. The decision was driven by changes in the ecosystem: the evolution of public product funding methods, the gradual maturation of the L2 ecosystem, continuous innovation in collaboration mechanisms, and the emergence of new competitors. At the same time, key members of Grants Lab have left one after another, and the team currently lacks a clear and sustainable profit model, leading to financial expenses exceeding the affordable range. Therefore, Grants Lab will no longer apply for a budget in the second half of 2025, and the remaining funds will be used to provide severance compensation for affected employees. Gitcoin stated that they will make every effort to support the transition of departing employees in a respectful and caring manner.