Groupon Cuts 25% Workforce Globally — AI Voice Agents Replacing Human Sales Workers Will Save Up To $25M

The voice making Groupon's sales calls may soon no longer belong to a person. The US-based deals platform, Groupon, has announced plans to cut up to 400 jobs globally as it accelerates a restructuring programme focused on artificial intelligence and automation.

The reductions represent nearly a quarter of the company's workforce and form part of Groupon's wider effort to lower costs while rebuilding its business around AI-powered systems. The company said AI voice agents are now being used to make outbound sales calls, while internal tools are increasingly automating work that previously required engineering and operational teams.

Investors reacted positively to the announcement. Groupon shares rose more than 5% on Tuesday after the company also upgraded its financial guidance for 2026.

A Shift Towards AI Operations

Groupon said the restructuring plan was approved by its board on 21 May and that most of the workforce reductions are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter. The company estimates the cuts will generate annual savings of between $20M and $25M.

According to company statements, around half of the projected savings in 2026 will be reinvested into marketing, AI infrastructure, and technical hiring. The restructuring is part of Groupon's attempt to modernise a business that has struggled to regain momentum in recent years.

Founded in 2008, Groupon became one of the fastest-growing technology companies during the early expansion of online commerce. Its business model relied on offering heavily discounted local deals on restaurants, travel, beauty services, and entertainment experiences.

However, consumer behaviour changed over time, while competition in digital advertising and local commerce intensified. Groupon's revenues and market presence declined steadily over the past decade. The company now says automation and AI systems will become central to future operations.

Investors Welcome Cost Reductions

Alongside the job cuts, Groupon raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $75M and $80M, compared with its previous forecast of $70M to $75M. The company said restructuring charges are expected to range from $7M to $13M, largely linked to severance payments and employee compensation costs.

Despite those charges, investors appeared encouraged by the company's cost-saving plans and focus on operational efficiency. Shares in Groupon climbed during Tuesday trading, reaching their highest level since November last year.

The company also confirmed that chief operating officer Jiri Ponrt will step down on 10 July. Groupon stated that his departure was voluntary and unrelated to disagreements with management.

AI Voice Agents Enter the Workplace

Groupon's restructuring reflects a wider shift taking place across the technology sector as companies increasingly adopt AI-powered systems to handle customer interactions, administrative work, and software development tasks. Modern AI voice agents can respond to questions, adjust conversations in real time and carry out sales interactions with limited human involvement.

Technology companies argue such systems reduce costs and improve productivity. Critics, however, warn that rapid automation may reshape large sections of the workforce, particularly in customer support and sales roles. Several major technology firms, including Microsoft, Google and Salesforce, have expanded investment in AI-driven workplace tools over the past two years.

Research published by consulting firm McKinsey & Company has identified customer service and sales among the job categories most exposed to generative AI automation. Groupon has not disclosed how many specific roles will be replaced directly through AI systems. However, the company indicated that additional automation initiatives are being evaluated under an internal restructuring programme known as Project Foundry, which is expected to continue through to 2027.

Pressure on Technology Companies

The announcement highlights growing pressure on technology firms to improve profitability while continuing to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. Across the sector, companies are attempting to balance rising AI spending with shareholder demands for stronger financial performance.

For employees affected by Groupon's cuts, the restructuring marks another example of how automation is beginning to alter white-collar and customer-facing jobs previously considered difficult to replace. Groupon said the transition is intended to create a leaner business built around AI-supported operations and lower operating costs.