Alphabet's X Lab Cuts Jobs, Seeks Outside Funding

Alphabet's X is undergoing a restructuring resulting in layoffs, as the Moonshot Factory moves to a new funding model allowing projects to spin out as independent startups with support from Alphabet and outside backers. This marks a shift from Alphabet solely funding these efforts, with external sources potentially including venture capital and strategic investors. The previous model limited projects ready to graduate, leading to startups within X facing a choice between waiting for a spot to open up or striking out on their own. The restructuring also prioritizes projects with more immediate revenue-generating potential, leading to earlier project terminations and a focus on AI bets over hardware.