20 Layoffs at Inform Technologies

Inform Technologies, a provider of contextual analysis and content matching services to online publishers, has laid off 20 employees.

Manhattan-based Inform allows Web site owners to increase page views through “related stories” links and other editorial products. The company says its technology can also help media companies deliver more relevant ads and boost their search rankings.

“We regret losing these dedicated, highly talented individuals,” Inform’s founder and CTO, Joe Einhorn, said in a statement. “However, given current market conditions, we believe this cost-cutting measure is prudent and serves the long-term interests of our clients and our business,” he continued.

Einhorn said the four-year-old company is fundamentally strong, having secured a $15 million investment earlier this year. It’s retaining 29 employees, or 59 percent of its pre-layoff headcount.

“We are well positioned to continue to lead the market with a host of new products and services to be announced later this year,” he said.

Inform’s publishing industry clients have included WashingtonPost.com, Portfolio.com, and Nielsen.

The company is only the latest in a string of digital media and marketing-related firms to lay off employees. The list now includes WildTangent, IMC2, Digital Influence Group and Yahoo. An ongoing tally of layoffs in the sector can be found in ClickZ’s Layoff Tracker.