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- Messari CEO Eric Turner steps down as Diran Li takes charge in AI pivot.
- Company confirms layoffs, continuing workforce cuts are seen in 2023 and 2025.
- Messari expands AI focus, opens blockchain data layer to autonomous agents.
Blockchain data provider Messari announced leadership changes and layoffs on Monday as it transitions to an AI-first strategy. The company confirmed that its current CEO, Eric Turner, has stepped down. However, Diran Li is taking over as the new CEO as part of a broader transition plan.
In a post on X, Turner announced that internal discussions led to the decision to hand over the leadership role to Li. The new CEO, Turner stated, had his full support.
Turner had served as the interim CEO since July 2024. The decision to transition the leadership role to Li comes at a time when Turner had taken over the position following the resignation of the founder, Ryan Selkis. This move is the second time in a while that there has been a change in the leadership structure of Messari.
Messari Announces Fresh Layoffs Amid Leadership Transition
In addition to the transition of leadership roles, the company also announced a new round of layoffs. Turner stated that it had been a challenging day for the company. However, the company did not reveal the number of employees affected.
The layoffs are the latest in a series of workforce reductions at Messari. The company reduced its workforce by 15% in January 2025. It also undertook a similar exercise in February 2023.
In another statement, Diran Li confirmed his appointment and the layoffs. He stated that the decision to lay off the staff came after discussions with Turner and the company’s board. Li further stated that the decision is part of a plan to take the company to its next level.
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Li also talked about the future plans of the company under his leadership. He mentioned that Messari would focus on becoming an AI-first company. This would enable them to serve institutions through their research and AI products.
Messari Deepens AI Push With Blockchain Data Access Plan
Messari was founded as a crypto research and data platform in 2018. However, the company began integrating artificial intelligence into its services in 2024. This latest move is a further extension of their shift towards AI-first operations.
Last week, Messari announced a new initiative focused on blockchain data access. The company plans to open its data layer to autonomous agents using the x402 protocol. This would enable developers and AI agents to access data and make payments using their crypto wallets.
Messari is not alone in adopting artificial intelligence services. Other companies, such as Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, MARA Holdings, Hut 8, and Galaxy Digital, have all adopted AI services. This is a further indication of the emerging relationship between blockchain data and AI services.
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