There is a global recession out there, of the kind that only happens once every 3 or 4 decades.

Even if those companies aren't losing revenue (they probably are), there is less investment money too, so they are still impacted.

it isnt evenly distributed. usage of cloud services is UP if aws results are any indication. gitlab should experience a similar lift.

Investment money drying up is very well distributed. Even if none of those companies are looking for money right now, when it gets tight it's a good practice to reduce your spending so you need less of it.

Those things the OP is talking about are all investment, so it's natural that they get cut.

Gitlab might also be looking for where they can grow during the pandemic.

1.5% of 6m existing free tier users is 90k accounts who now need to reduce usage, pay Gitlab, or move to another platform. Only one of these options is fast!

I don't think this is the only reason they are doing this, but it does sweeten the pot.

They can only give away so much for free