"Siemiatkowski made the comments on the 20 VC podcast with Harry Stebbings earlier this week, where the CEO didn't deny that the company has been steadily shrinking.The CEO said that currently the company has about 3,000 employees. That's down from 7,000 just four years ago. In another four, he says there will likely be less than 2,000-a reduction of one-third."
"Klarna's slimming down comes even as buy now, pay later (BNPL) services are booming. Around 30% of Americans say they have used them, according to a 2025 Bankrate report. And in 2025, according to a PartnerCentric survey, 35% said they planned to use the services even more. The popularity is driven by the fact that Klarna, like other BNPL options, allows shoppers to split purchases into interest-free installments, pay within 30 days, or even opt for longer-term financing options."
Klarna will reduce headcount from roughly 3,000 employees today to likely fewer than 2,000 within four years, down from 7,000 four years earlier. The reduction results from layoffs, employees leaving without replacement, and AI integration that enables greater operational efficiency with fewer staff. Buy now, pay later usage continues to grow, with about 30% of Americans having used BNPL and roughly 35% planning increased use in 2025, supported by interest-free installments, 30-day payment windows, and longer-term financing accepted by thousands of retailers. Concurrently, major AI concerns include loss of autonomy, potential misuse for destruction, and the emergence of powerful AI as an extreme security threat.
Read at Fast Company
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