Mike Butcher has today confirmed his exit from TechCrunch.
Speculation had been growing in recent days that the media organisation’s founding editor-at-large would be joining a long line of big name writers to leave.
Earlier today rival media brand Sifted carried the headline: ‘TechCrunch rocks industry with European shutdown.’
Hours later, Butcher revealed he’d ‘parted ways’ with TechCrunch after 18 years.
Recognised as one of the most influential journalists in European technology he was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to the UK technology industry and journalism.
Explaining his decision he wrote: “Recently, Regent LP, a US private equity firm, acquired TechCrunch and its staff in the US, from Yahoo.
“During this process, my colleagues in Europe and I were, unexpectedly, rendered redundant.
“I should emphasise that I am not a spokesperson for Yahoo or Regent in this matter. However, the upshot is that, as of last month, I am no longer writing for TechCrunch.
“This ends an 18-year run, starting in 2007.
“Until last month, my personal journey with TechCrunch had been an incredibly fulfilling one, and, I hope, useful to the European ecosystem.
“But before I indulge in a little nostalgia, I want to emphasise that this does not mean my departure from tech journalism.
“I will be taking my many thousands of contacts and social media followers — spread across Europe and the Middle East — with me, into my next adventures.
“So, I am excited to tell you what’s next. But not quite yet.”
TechCrunch was founded June 11, 2005, to report on all things tech and has forged a reputation as the go-to place for startups.
In March 2025, TechCrunch trumpeted its sale to Regent, which was founded 12 years ago by Michael Reinstein and is described as a ‘dynamic private equity firm’.
The TechCrunch story read: “While the financial terms remain undisclosed, one thing is clear: Regent is acquiring an iconic brand.
“The best part: This deal is structured to ensure minimal disruption to TechCrunch’s operations. You can almost think of it more like a software update rather than a system overhaul.
“But here’s what really matters: The same team of expert journalists you know and trust will continue bringing you the must-read stories of the tech world.
“Without a doubt, this is the strongest TechCrunch team we’ve ever had.”
For their part Regent said: “TechCrunch has been the number one publisher for all things startups since its founding in 2005, and we’re thrilled to expand its reach as it provides breaking technology news, opinions, and analysis on tech companies worldwide to our audience.”
It’s fair to say the tub-thumping language has a hollow ring to it this morning in light of TechCrunch’s apparent exodus from Europe.
Last week, long-serving senior reporter Romain Dillet wrote: “I’m leaving TechCrunch after an incredibly long run covering tech and startups, reporting on the French tech ecosystem and beyond.
“This is a bittersweet moment for me, as I didn’t leave TechCrunch on my own terms. Regent LP, a private equity firm, acquired TechCrunch and laid off most of the international team.
“They thought international startup coverage wasn’t essential. I strongly disagree with that decision. But I genuinely want this team to succeed because it remains an incredibly talented group of people.”
One well-placed tech figure told BusinessCloud said: “Maybe the new owners will hire new European staff, but even if they do, they’ve gutted it of some real talent and it’s a massive shame.”
Dillet is just the latest in a succession of TechCrunch staffers to have exited the organisation.
Former news editor and writer Ingrid Lunden wrote on LinkedIn that April 30th was her last day at TechCrunch after 13+ years.
“I’m looking for a new job, ideally staying in tech and most ideally as a journalist,” she added. “I hope for TechCrunch to keep burning bright.”
Her former colleague Natasha Lomas has already been appointed tech editor of Euractiv after leaving TechCrunch in April after more than 12 years.
Senior writer Paul Sawers told his LinkedIn network: “That’s a wrap, folks. I’ve left TechCrunch after a pretty great three years — this isn’t how I hoped it would all end, but nothing lasts forever.”