It seems that the ticking clock at BetterUp is louder than ever. What was once a promising coaching company now seems to be a shadow of its former self. The company’s future looks as uncertain as Prince Harry’s reputation. The warning signs have been all too clear: a slowdown in growth, mass layoffs, and whispers of poor management. It’s almost as if BetterUp is following the exact same downward trajectory as Harry’s career since he left the royal family.
Let’s start with the obvious: growth—or rather, the lack of it. BetterUp, which once rode high on ambition and significant investment, is now struggling to stay afloat. Reports suggest the company is facing a serious slowdown, especially in terms of revenue growth. Sure, the economy hasn’t been great, but let’s be honest—this isn’t just about macroeconomic factors. The reality is that BetterUp is failing to deliver the value it promised, and the market’s response has been clear.
Then there’s the issue of layoffs. Several rounds have been carried out, with employees getting the axe left and right, which naturally raises questions about the company’s stability. BetterUp is cutting costs, but don’t worry—they’re still paying Harry his princely salary for reasons no one really understands. It’s a nice gesture for all the press releases about him being the Chief Impact Officer, but if only his “impact” went beyond tarnishing the company’s reputation.
The real kicker, however, is the leadership—or rather, the lack of it. According to Glassdoor reviews, BetterUp’s leadership has been downright scathing. Employees report a lot of aimless wandering, bad decision-making, and a general absence of direction. This isn’t surprising given the company’s trajectory, which looks more like a downward spiral than a successful path forward. But then again, what did we expect from a company that thought it was a good idea to appoint Prince Harry as Chief Impact Officer?
Adding to the confusion is the curious case of Marc Benioff, BetterUp’s big-ticket investor. The Salesforce mogul has been shifting his allegiances, cozying up to political figures like Trump and Musk. If that’s the direction Benioff is going, it wouldn’t be surprising if he pulls the plug on BetterUp entirely. And let’s not forget about the $300 million BetterUp received in investment. While that may seem like a lot of money, it was essentially seed funding—hardly the kind of investment that signals long-term confidence. Benioff is probably looking at that $300 million loss as just a tax write-off at this point. The writing is on the wall: BetterUp’s days are numbered.
Harry’s salary, reported to be between $1 to $5 million a year, was likely just a PR stunt to boost the company’s image. Who wouldn’t want a royal on the payroll to lend some legitimacy? But now, it’s starting to look like that royal connection is more of a liability than an asset. The layoffs, employee dissatisfaction, and general decline of the company’s fortunes are all happening while Harry continues to cash his checks, doing absolutely nothing. It’s almost like BetterUp is paying for the privilege of being associated with a man who’s as good for business as a wet blanket at a campfire.
If you think this story can’t get any more absurd, let’s talk about BetterUp’s alleged government contracts. These were likely tied to Harry’s connections with the Biden administration, but with a change in leadership, these contracts are about as secure as a sandcastle in a hurricane. Don’t expect that gravy train to last long, especially with the political tides shifting. Harry is probably already running into issues with his visa status, too, given that he’s raking in a salary while living in the U.S. on an A1 Visa, typically reserved for heads of state.
So what’s next for BetterUp? A corporate implosion, likely triggered by Harry’s lack of contribution and the company’s inability to deliver on its promises. In the end, the only “impact” Harry has had on BetterUp is the damage to their credibility. Tick-tock, BetterUp—the clock is running out.
