I don't think VC-backed startups typically do stock buybacks? That's more of a Fortune 500 thing, AFAIK. "Startups" (of whatever size) are always concerned about the next funding round; I don't think they're going to burn runway to prop up the share price. It's companies like GE and IBM that do that, AFAIK.
I was referring to the OP’s comment that established publicly traded tech companies too will be under pressure to keep the stock price up and thus, aren’t immune to layoffs
I see. You have a point there. That would cement, in my mind, their transition from "growth" to "utility" companies, though, and I would expect them to start paying dividends.
