Better.com CEO Launches 900 Zoom Employees

“If you’re on this call, you’re part of the unlucky group that’s being fired,” Garg said on the call, a recording of which was viewed by CNN Business. “Your employment here is terminated with immediate effect. ”

He then said employees can expect an email from HR detailing the benefits and severance packages.

“Having to go through layoffs is heartbreaking, especially at this time of year,” CFO Kevin Ryan said in a statement to CNN Business. “However, a stronghold record and a small, concentrated workforce have put us together to go on the offensive by entering a rapidly changing home ownership market.”

“This is the second time in my career that I’ve done this and I don’t want to do this. The last time I did it I cried,” Garg said on the call, who stayed on. short and emotionless.

Among those fired was the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruitment Team.

The Softbank-backed mortgage lender announced in May that it was going public through a SPAC and last week received $ 750 million in cash as part of the deal. The company is poised to have over $ 1 billion on its balance sheet.

Garg has been embroiled in controversy before, as evidenced by an email he sent to staff and obtained by Forbes.

“You are TOO SLOW. You are a bunch of DUMB DOLPHINS … SO STOP IT. STOP IT. STOP IT NOW. YOU EMBLEM,” he wrote.

The Daily Beast reported in August that one of Garg’s “most loyal lieutenants” had received considerable benefits, such as millions of dollars in stock options that could be vested immediately, not comparable to other employees. This person was then put on administrative leave for intimidation.