TLDR
- Eric Turner has resigned from his position as Messari CEO, with CTO Diran Li assuming the top executive role.
- A new wave of staff reductions has been implemented, with specific numbers remaining undisclosed.
- The crypto data provider is transforming into an “AI-first” enterprise targeting institutional clients with research and AI-powered solutions.
- The firm has made its data infrastructure accessible to autonomous AI agents through the x402 protocol integration.
- Previous workforce reductions occurred in January 2025 (approximately 15% of employees) and February 2023.
Crypto intelligence platform Messari has revealed major changes in its executive leadership alongside another workforce reduction as the company reorients its business model toward artificial intelligence technologies.
On Monday, Eric Turner announced his departure from the CEO position, which he had occupied on an interim basis since July 2024. Turner assumed leadership responsibilities after company founder Ryan Selkis departed following backlash from contentious statements on social platforms.
Diran Li, who has held the chief technology officer position at Messari for more than seven years, will now lead the organization as its new chief executive. According to Li, the transition resulted from collaborative discussions with Turner and the company’s governing board.
“After conversations with Eric and the board, we agreed this is the right step for the company’s next chapter,” Li wrote on X.
The executive transition occurred in tandem with personnel reductions throughout the organization. While Li confirmed the downsizing, he declined to specify the exact number of affected employees. “We’ve parted ways with many teammates who helped build Messari into what it is today,” he stated.
Turner also referenced the workforce cuts, describing it as “a difficult day for the team.”
In January 2025, Messari eliminated approximately 15% of its full-time workforce. The company executed a comparable staff reduction in February 2023. This current round represents the third significant headcount decrease in recent years.
Messari’s AI-First Direction
Li emphasized that the organizational changes are fundamentally connected to a strategic business transformation. “Looking ahead, we’re doubling down on Messari as an AI-first company serving institutions through research and AI products,” he said.
Established in 2018, Messari originally positioned itself as a cryptocurrency research and data analytics provider. The integration of artificial intelligence capabilities into its product suite commenced in 2024. The platform has built its reputation on comprehensive analytical reports covering various crypto market segments, data intelligence tools, and organizing the annual Mainnet conference in New York City.
This strategic realignment reflects broader industry trends. Block, the fintech company created by Jack Dorsey, eliminated nearly 4,000 positions last month, partially attributing the decision to an AI-centered reorganization. Last week, OP Labs, the development team behind Optimism, reduced its workforce by approximately 20%.
Blockchain Data for AI Agents
Just days before announcing the leadership transition, Li disclosed that Messari was making its data infrastructure available to autonomous AI agents. The platform implemented the x402 protocol to enable AI agents and developers to access its enterprise-grade cryptocurrency data.
This framework allows AI agents to autonomously locate and purchase blockchain intelligence using cryptocurrency wallets.
Messari has joined a growing roster of cryptocurrency-focused companies branching into artificial intelligence, including Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, MARA Holdings, Hut 8, and Galaxy Digital.
Turner has indicated he will continue supporting the organization in an advisory capacity after stepping down from the chief executive position.
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