The Scoop is a bonus series covering insights, patterns, and trends I observe and hear about within Big Tech and at high growth startups. Have a scoop to share? Send me a message! I treat all such messages as anonymous.

The Scoop sometimes delivers firsthand, original reporting. I’m adding an ‘Exclusive’ label to news that features original reporting direct from my sources, as distinct from analysis, opinion, and reaction to events. Of course, I also analyze what’s happening in the tech industry, citing other media sources and quoting them as I dive into trends I observe. These sections do not carry the ‘Exclusive’ mark.

Today's topics:

1. Meta to have fewer managers: insiders’ reactions. The social media giant told staff it will cut down on engineering managers. I talked with current managers at the company to get details on what will happen, why the TLM role will likely surge in popularity, and the challenges EMs will face. Exclusive.

2. New industry trend: less middle management? Directors and senior managers seem to be taking longer to find their next gigs, while both Big Tech and scaleups seem to be cutting down on these positions. What does this mean for engineering managers and directors-and-above? How can you prepare for this potential industry shift? Exclusive.

3. A potential incoming startup purge and its implications. We might be facing a swathe of startup acquisitions and the closing-up of shops later this year. My analysis, plus the takes of investors I’ve talked with. Exclusive details and analysis.

4. Advice for navigating this challenging year at startups. What are ways you can prepare, if you are at a startup, and how can you make the most of this if you’re a hiring manager at a well-capitalized company? Advice.

1. Meta to have fewer managers: insider comments