Tech layoffs surge in September 2026: Oracle, Microsoft, and Disney cut over 2,400 jobs

U.S. tech companies, including Oracle, Microsoft, Intel, and Disney, have laid off or warned of impending job cuts for at least 2,400 workers in late September 2026. Pulley, a cap table management startup, announced it will shut down in December, underscoring the industry’s ongoing challenges.

Recent layoffs in the U.S. tech sector

The U.S. tech sector saw another wave of layoffs in late September 2026, with at least 2,400 workers either laid off or warned of impending job cuts, according to Crunchbase News. Major companies, including Oracle, Microsoft, Intel, and Disney, announced significant workforce reductions during this period.

Major companies announce job cuts

Oracle laid off approximately 800 employees, including 359 in Washington state and 441 in California. The cuts affected both its Seattle facility and remote workers across the state.

Microsoft reduced its global workforce by around 500 roles, with 268 of those cuts targeting its Xbox gaming division and Cloud + AI units. The company did not specify how many of these layoffs were U.S.-based.

Intel cut 52 workers across four locations in Santa Clara, California, its headquarters city.

Disney eliminated about 300 positions in its human resources and technology divisions. These layoffs coincide with the end of a voluntary early retirement offer for eligible employees.

Startup closures add to industry challenges

Pulley, a cap table management platform, announced it will shut down on December 8, 2026. The closure reflects the broader struggles faced by startups in securing funding and maintaining operations amid economic uncertainty.

Trends in tech layoffs

Tech layoffs have remained elevated since 2022, driven by economic uncertainty and overhiring during the pandemic. In 2023, U.S.-based tech companies cut over 191,000 jobs, followed by approximately 127,000 layoffs in 2025, according to Crunchbase News.

Intel led the reductions in 2025, cutting 27,159 roles, followed by Microsoft (15,387) and Amazon (14,709). Similar trends were observed in 2024, with Intel cutting over 15,000 jobs, Tesla reducing its workforce by more than 14,000, and Cisco eliminating over 10,000 roles.

Companies like Salesforce and Google’s parent company, Alphabet, attributed post-pandemic layoffs to unsustainable hiring practices during the pandemic. Venture-backed startups, particularly seed and early-stage companies, have also conducted layoffs to preserve cash as funding remains scarce.

Developing: what is not yet confirmed

The following is reported but has not been independently confirmed.

Further layoffs may occur in the tech sector as companies continue to navigate economic challenges and funding constraints. Seed and early-stage startups, in particular, could face additional pressure to reduce their workforces to extend their cash runways.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The latest round of tech layoffs highlights persistent economic pressures and the aftermath of pandemic-era hiring sprees. For founders, this signals a need for disciplined growth and financial resilience, especially in a tight funding environment. For employees, it underscores the importance of adaptability and skill diversification in an uncertain job market. The shutdown of Pulley also serves as a cautionary tale for startups reliant on niche tools or services.

Key takeaways

• At least 2,400 U.S. tech workers were laid off or warned of impending job cuts in late September 2026.
• Oracle, Microsoft, Intel, and Disney announced significant workforce reductions.
• Pulley, a cap table management platform, will shut down on December 8, 2026.
• Tech layoffs surged in 2022 and 2023 due to overhiring during the pandemic and economic uncertainty.
• Seed and early-stage startups may continue to cut jobs to extend their cash runways.

FAQ

Why are tech companies laying off workers in 2026?

Tech companies are citing economic uncertainty, overhiring during the pandemic, and shifts in market demand as primary reasons for layoffs. Many are also focusing on improving efficiency and preserving cash reserves in a difficult funding environment.

Which companies announced layoffs in September 2026?

Oracle, Microsoft, Intel, and Disney were among the major companies that announced layoffs in late September 2026. Pulley, a cap table management startup, also announced it will shut down in December 2026.

How many tech workers were laid off in 2025?

According to Crunchbase News, approximately 127,000 tech workers in the U.S. were laid off in 2025.

What industries are most affected by tech layoffs?

The technology, enterprise software, semiconductor, entertainment, gaming, cloud computing, AI, and human resources industries have been most affected by recent layoffs.

Are more layoffs expected in the tech sector?

Industry reports suggest that further layoffs may occur as companies continue to face economic headwinds and funding challenges, particularly among seed and early-stage startups.

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