Blockchain data and research firm Messari announced on March 16, 2026, that CEO Eric Turner has stepped down, handing leadership to former Chief Technology Officer Diran Li, as the company implements layoffs and pivots to an “AI-first” strategy serving institutional clients.
The leadership transition, which Turner described as “the right one for the company’s next phase,” accompanies a restructuring that Li acknowledged includes parting ways with “many teammates who helped build Messari into what it is today.” No specific number of affected employees was disclosed.
The move follows Messari’s recent integration of AI-powered analytics tools and the x402 protocol for autonomous data payments, positioning the firm to serve developers and AI agents alongside traditional institutional research clients.
Leadership Transition
CEO Change Details
Eric Turner, who took over as interim CEO in July 2024 following founder Ryan Selkis’ resignation, announced his departure on X, stating: “Today, I stepped down as CEO of Messari and handed the reins to Diran.” Turner expressed full support for his successor, noting the decision was difficult but appropriate for Messari’s next phase of development.
Diran Li, who served as Chief Technology Officer for more than seven years, assumes the CEO role effective immediately. Li stated that after “conversations with Eric and the board, we agreed this is the right step for the company’s next chapter.”
Workforce Reduction Context
The restructuring includes layoffs, though the company did not specify the number of affected employees. This marks the third known workforce reduction at Messari in recent years:
February 2023: Similar workforce reduction
January 2025: Approximately 15% of full-time staff laid off
March 2026: Additional cuts confirmed as part of strategic pivot
Turner acknowledged the human impact, calling it a “difficult day for the team as we say goodbye to many people who helped build Messari.”
Strategic Pivot: AI-First Institutional Focus
New Strategic Direction
Li outlined the company’s repositioning in his announcement: “Looking ahead, we’re doubling down on Messari as an AI-first company serving institutions through research and AI products.” The pivot represents a significant evolution from Messari’s origins as a pure crypto research and data company founded in 2018.
The company began incorporating AI into its products in 2024 and is now accelerating that trajectory under new leadership.
Product Development: Agentic AI Infrastructure
Messari’s AI strategy is already taking shape through recent product initiatives:
AgentCash Integration: The company integrated AgentCash with its Messari AI tool, enabling terminal-based crypto analysis
x402 Protocol Adoption: Messari opened its data layer to autonomous agents by adopting the x402 protocol, allowing developers and AI agents to autonomously source and pay for data using crypto wallets
API Expansion: Messari’s institutional-grade API now covers over 40,000 assets and supports pay-per-request access via x402
Sentiment Tracking: New AI capabilities enable measurement of market mood and mindshare around specific digital assets
Li stated the goal is to “bring our institutional-grade crypto intelligence to every builder and agent on the internet.”
Industry Context
Broader Crypto-AI Convergence
Messari joins a growing list of crypto-native companies expanding into AI infrastructure, including Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, MARA Holdings, Hut 8, and Galaxy Digital. These firms are positioning at the intersection of blockchain data and artificial intelligence as institutional demand for both sectors grows.
Industry-Wide Restructuring
The layoffs at Messari reflect broader workforce adjustments across the crypto and technology sectors:
OP Labs: Cut approximately 20% of its team in March 2026
Block Inc.: Eliminated nearly 4,000 positions in February 2026
Gemini: Reduced workforce by 25% in recent months
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of Messari?
Diran Li has been appointed CEO of Messari, succeeding Eric Turner. Li previously served as Chief Technology Officer for more than seven years, overseeing the company’s technical development before stepping into the leadership role. Turner will remain supportive of the transition but has not disclosed his future plans.
Why is Messari laying off staff and restructuring?
Messari is pivoting to an “AI-first” strategy focused on serving institutional clients through research and AI-powered analytics products. The restructuring includes workforce reductions to align the company’s resources with this new strategic direction. The company has made similar workforce adjustments in January 2025 and February 2023 as it evolved its business model.
What AI products is Messari developing?
Messari is building AI-powered analytics tools including sentiment and mindshare tracking for digital assets. The company recently integrated AgentCash with its Messari AI tool and adopted the x402 protocol to enable autonomous data payments. Its institutional API now covers over 40,000 assets with pay-per-request access, designed for both human analysts and autonomous AI agents to source and pay for crypto intelligence.
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