Nova Launcher Faces Uncertain Future Following Major Layoffs at Branch
In a significant turn of events, Branch, the parent company of Nova Launcher, has recently undertaken substantial layoffs, impacting many dedicated team members who have been integral to the app’s success. The development team, which has been instrumental in enhancing user experiences, has seen a dramatic reduction in size, leaving many employees, including notable figures, searching for new opportunities.
Cliff, the Community Manager for Nova Launcher, shared the news via a heartfelt message on their Discord server. After nearly nine years with Nova, Cliff announced that he was among the over 100 employees laid off from Branch. Reflecting on his time with the company, he expressed nothing but gratitude, stating, “It was one heck of a great, enjoyable ride that I wouldn’t trade for the world.” Although leaving is bittersweet, Cliff remains optimistic about the future and views this transition as a chance for growth and new prospects.
Cliff also took a moment to extend his gratitude to key figures, such as Kevin Barry, who played a vital role in his journey at Nova. He noted the transformative impact this position has had on both his professional and personal life, giving him opportunities he never dreamed of.
As one of the pillars of Nova’s community, Cliff acknowledged the support from users and fans over the years. He emphasized the lasting memories he’s made with the community, saying, “You’ve brought so much joy to my life over the years, and those memories will last a lifetime.”
Amidst the layoffs, some clarity has emerged regarding the future of Nova Launcher. Rob, another team member, reassured users that development would continue, albeit at a slower pace due to the reduced workforce. Kevin, the original creator of Nova, remains committed to the project but acknowledged the challenges of managing development with limited resources. He is currently focused on finalizing updates to the app, including the much-anticipated Nova 8.1.
Looking ahead, Cliff has expressed a desire to find new roles in customer support or related fields, ideally within a remote setting. He invites the community to reach out with any job leads as he navigates this transition.
For ongoing updates about Nova Launcher and the future of its community, Cliff promises to keep users informed in the coming days. Despite the uncertainty, there remains a spirit of hope for the future and a commitment to delivering quality updates for their dedicated user base.
For more information about Branch’s acquisition of Nova Launcher, you can read
One response to “Job cuts at Branch, owner of Nova Launcher”
This is truly a poignant moment for both the team and the Nova Launcher community. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Cliff and all those affected by the layoffs. It’s clear from Cliff’s message that the team poured their hearts into making Nova a standout product in the Android space, and it’s inspiring to see such optimism in the face of adversity.
The announcement of layoffs inevitably raises questions about the future trajectory of Nova Launcher, especially with the indication that development may slow down due to the reduced workforce. However, I appreciate Rob’s assurance that they will continue making updates, and I’m particularly excited about the pending release of Nova 8.1. It would be interesting to hear from Kevin about how they plan to prioritize features given these constraints.
The community aspect of Nova is truly remarkable—it’s more than just an app; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where users feel a sense of connection. For those of us who rely on Nova Launcher for customization, it will be important to rally around the team during this transitional period. Perhaps we could initiate community-driven efforts to support Cliff in his job search, as well as consider ways to help sustain the development momentum.
As a suggestion, organizing fan-led campaigns or creating a dedicated channel for updates on the community’s projects could be beneficial. This would not only keep the user base engaged but also reinforce the idea that we are all invested in the success of Nova Launcher together. Engaging with Cliff and Kevin about potential user feedback or feature requests during this