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6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

467 points by philip1209 9y ago

crsv 9y ago
In this lovely thread I'm sure we'll get to see the wonderful, even keeled, thoughtful folks that respect due process and are emotionally and cognitively capable of requiring evidence and proof before taking allegations as direct intentional criminality. That's definitely going to happen.
Svexar 9y ago
Binary Capital: You either get it or you don't
tabeth 9y ago
In these situations how are things actually proved? Is it just a "he said, she said" situation? In any case, it's a bold move to go on record, though I'm curious what difference it actually makes. EDIT: Ah, it seems going on record is necessary to actually bring charges to someone.
- asdfologist 9y ago
  The second paragraph said he sent texts. Texts can be verified.
  - tabeth 9y ago
    Are texts really an example of "sexual assault?" My understanding was that sexual assault had to be physical, though I may (probably) be wrong. EDIT: Thanks for the clarification, all. As many have pointed out, there's also the harassment portion. I guess my question is now: how do you prove intent? I know nothing about due process, so I'm curious. I suppose in this case it really matters what it says in the texts.
    - vkou 9y ago
      The texts are trivially verifiable proof of harassment, AFAIK, there is no trivially verifiable proof for the assault.
      - deleted 9y ago
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    - runevault 9y ago
      Legal definition of assault is not what you'd think it is, and I'd assume sexual assault legally is the same thing, just in a sexual manner. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/assault http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/assault edit: For reference the actual physical acts are battery in the legal sense.
    - kinkrtyavimoodh 9y ago
      There's also harassment, which can be textual.
    - bsder 9y ago
      Not in and unto themselves, but they certainly establish a pattern and lend more credence to the actual charges being brought. They help move the needle from simply "He said; she said."
    - jimrandomh 9y ago
      No, but they can be strong evidence if they include people talking about what happened.
    - lmkg 9y ago
      Texts would be an example of "sexual harassment." Some types of sexual assault can be proven by medical examination, if the exam happens soon after, although many actions that qualify as sexual assault will either not show up on an exam, or can be proven to be "sexual" but not "assault." However, in cases like this where there is an ongoing relationship before and after the incident, the text messages will often refer to physical events. These can be evidence that a physical event happened, and what the attitudes and beliefs of the involved people were towards the incident at the time. Although even that is still a large amount of he-said-she-said and drawing large inferences from circumstantial data.
- drewrv 9y ago
  In this case it's more of a "he said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said".
  - sillysaurus3 9y ago
    When it involves rich or powerful people, the ability to get many she-said's becomes easier. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but due process exists for a reason. We should reserve judgement until the investigation progresses further.
    - vkou 9y ago
      When it involves serial harassers, the ability to get many she-saids becomes easy, too. Do you really think that founders are lining up to put their personal and professional reputation on the line, to smear this guy, as part of a vast female conspiracy? They have fucking text messages to back their story up. Are those easy to fabricate too, when it comes to rich and powerful people?
      - cuckcuckspruce 9y ago
        That's exactly why we have due process - to evaluate evidence in an impartial and equitable way. GP's point was more about due process than anything else, so could you extend the assumption of good faith to their comment and engage with that point?
        vkou 9y ago
        I'm not a court of law, I'm not locking him up in a prison, and I don't need proof of guilt beyond an unreasonable doubt to take these allegations seriously.
        deleted 9y ago
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        deleted 9y ago
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- philip1209 9y ago
  This article seems to indicate that multiple journalists were investigating these allegations, but couldn't go to press without sources: https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html One journalist got six sources, three on the record, and claims to have verified parts of the stories (such as reviewing message history on phones), which led him to have the confidence to go to press.
  - tabeth 9y ago
    Right, I read that, but is it necessary to be publicly on the record? Couldn't the information be privately confirmed, protecting the women from retaliation and still allowing the case/accusation to move forward? It just seems like an unnecessary risk/vulnerability. Of course, there's also the fact that by going on the record you also encourage others to do the same, which is an immeasurable benefit.
    - niniane 9y ago
      I am one of the three women who went on the record with my name: Niniane Wang. I initially asked to be anonymous, but no reporter would publish unless they had named sources. I knew that Justin was continuing to harass women. Using my name was the only way to stop him. In other words, yes, it was necessary to be publicly on the record.
      - ajoy 9y ago
        Niniane, I can only imagine the mental anguish you must have gone through. I applaud you and the other women for taking a stance, a public stance and standing up to these perverts. You are an inspiration.
      - Anonymous888 9y ago
        Niniane - thank you so much for having the courage to step forward.
      - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
        Thank you for making a stand and calling inappropriate behavior out.
- deleted 9y ago
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- hmahncke 9y ago
  You could ask his employer, which said "...while The Information had found a few examples which show that Justin has in the past occasionally dated or flirted with women he met in a professional capacity , let’s be clear: there is no evidence that Justin did anything illegal and there is no evidence that any of his investing decisions were affected by his social interests.” So it happened, it's just that he doesn't realize how wildly unacceptable it was.
- solidsnack9000 9y ago
  > EDIT: Ah, it seems going on record is necessary to actually bring charges to someone. This is an interesting comment and sheds some light on what is happening here. There is no need to be publicly named in a news article to bring charges in a court of law; but in a court of law there is a clear and regular process for evaluating charges; and one does actually submit to the possibility of retaliation in a limited form: false accusations carry punishments of their own. Justin has already quit. In some sense, charges were brought in the court of public opinion -- and for these to have any weight, there must be some element of credibility attached to them. Journalists are not cops and just quoting "unnamed sources" is not enough to substantiate the idea that someone should lose their job, in part because unnamed sources accept no scrutiny and no risk. Attaching one's name to something like this is the only way to lend any weight to it, in the absence of any judicial process.
radicalbyte 9y ago
One of the girls interviewed on Startup Podcast mentioned that a VC propositioned her; like these girls she was Asian. I wonder if this guy is the same alleged pervert?
- _RPM 9y ago
  All of his victims are Asian in this case.
  - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
    As is his wife.
    - dosgonlogs 9y ago
      He has a wife? Oh man.
    - deleted 9y ago
      [deleted]
  - bherms 9y ago
    An Asian colleague of mine also was subject to inappropriate behavior from him a few years back.
- bruceb 9y ago
  One might call them women...
  - radicalbyte 9y ago
    I'm British, it's customary here to use 'girl' instead of 'woman'. It can be offensive to say 'woman' to a woman under the age of ~50.
    - ryanx435 9y ago
      this is a perfect example of why, in a globally connected world, this problem will never be solved: different cultures have different standards for appropriateness and harrasement: you are trying to not be offensive and so used the world "girl", and someone else is offended because you didn't use the word "woman."
gorbachev 9y ago
"While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable." I wonder what kind of significant context was missing? They asked for it? /sarcasm
- snvzz 9y ago
  Apologising. A classic mistake. What's possibly just a display of good will is going to get abused as admission of guilt.
  - gorbachev 9y ago
    This apology translates to: "I think they're full of shit, but I apologize anyway"
    - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
      No, thats not at all how his apology translates. This is his statement in full: Obviously, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations. While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable. The fact is that I have been privileged to have worked with female entrepreneurs throughout my career and I sincerely apologize to anyone who I made uncomfortable by my actions. There’s no denying this is an issue in the venture community, and I hate that my behavior has contributed to it. How do you get "I think they're full of shit" out of that? This reads to me like a tacit admission that if anything else, his behavior is inappropriate and sketchy by any conventional sense. Appropriate and professional behavior does not need "significant context" to back it up.
      - Bartweiss 9y ago
        He's made a larger statement since, including: "I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry." ... "I will be seeking professional counseling as I take steps to reflect on my behavior with and attitude towards women." That's about as far as a person can go without making an admissible confession, and seems to clear up basically all doubt.
davidu 9y ago
This is disgusting, pathetic, and predatory. It also has a long-term chilling effect on women in technology and entrepreneurship. I am surprised by the lack of outrage over this behavior.
- iagreeentirely 9y ago
  At the moment it's allegations. The outrage should come after evidence is uncovered. Not that it will matter in the end. Recent events have shown that you can flat out admit to drugging women in order to have sex with them and still be acquitted if you have adequate stature and fame. (Ok, I should be more fair. A mistrial is not an acquittal.)
  - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
    The Axios article (https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html) details a long history of sketchy behavior. In addition to the three accusers: - While at lightspeed, accusations from a female founder at a portfolio company was serious enough that the "situation rose to the broader board level, with the ultimate resolution resulting in non-disclosure agreements on all sides." - While at Bain Ventures, a female founder accused Justin of inviting him over to his hotel room to "finish the conversation" even knowing she had a BF (not that being single would make it at all appropriate). - Two other female founders with similar stories that don't want to go on the record I also think it's worthy to note that all his (public) accusers are asian, as is his wife. Occam's razer...
    - Bartweiss 9y ago
      Even more relevant: https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-binary-capital-2446988189.html https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave... Caldbeck has apologized, taken leave, and did not contest any of the claims.
      - iagreeentirely 9y ago
jmcgough 9y ago
Really glad to see people like this getting called out. Dealing with sexual harassment/assault from someone in power is the last thing you want as a female founder - you have a million other things you need to do to keep your startup afloat, and you don't want to rock the boat if it affects your likelihood of being funded. Feels like the valley is slowly but surely changing. And yes, I recognize that this hasn't been "proven", but really what's the chance than there's a shadowy cabal of women who start companies in order to target individual VCs. These women have little to gain from this and everything to lose. Occams razor is that he's at the very least doing something that's inappropriate.
- deleted 9y ago
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- munchbunny 9y ago
  The sad part to me is that this is just the part of the iceberg that is visible above the surface. I've heard stories from several female founders/VC's (not naming names or specific details to protect anonymity) who have experienced repeated unwelcome advances even after it was made clear they had a significant other. That's not as egregious as groping (one of the accusations in this article), but that's still sexual harassment by the letter of the law and slimy as hell every other way. Another common theme I noticed is when the man in question stays in the gray area where individual incidents aren't clearly over the line and might not qualify legally as sexual harassment, but in context and in aggregate it's clear why a woman would feel very uncomfortable. How do you confront something like that when they can just question your perception of reality? In all but one case, the women decided against confrontation because the man was in a much more powerful position (such as a general partner of a VC fund), and the women were afraid of retribution and risking killing their careers by taking a principled stand. They all wished they could do more, but decided they didn't want to be martyrs. That's a bad position to be in. I think it's damning of the industry that these women have accepted silence on the matter as part of the burden of being a woman and pursuing this line of work. Granted I'm looking at this with N < 10, but everyone I've talked to shares the sentiment that it's a pattern, not a coincidence. I'm hopeful that everything going on around Uber will move the needle enough that more people are willing to come forward.
solotronics 9y ago
Serious question, does free speech apply in these situations? You have the unalienable right to speak your mind and some people may be offended but that is not illegal. I totally understand if you are employed by someone you can't easily get away if you are made uncomfortable but this is entirely a voluntary situation. Also, if you really think about it making something that makes someone uncomfortable illegal is weird. So by the same logic I should be able to sue my employer if he farts too much or is annoying in general?
- mumphster 9y ago
  Sexual assault is not an issue of free speech. Its sexual assault.
- Gabriel_Martin 9y ago
  see u/davidu's response
- jmcgough 9y ago
  If you read the article, the allegations include him groping women without their consent. That's not just making someone uncomfortable, that's sexual assault.
- guelo 9y ago
  Also free speech: telling the whole world that someone is a reckless asshole that should not be trusted.
- DavidAdams 9y ago
  Have you ever heard the term "assault and battery?" Battery is hitting someone. Assault doesn't have to include physical contact to be a crime, it just has to include action that demonstrates an attempt to harm or threaten. It's true that there are a lot of things that a creep VC could say to a female founder that would be creepy, that would be harassment, that should probably get him fired, but wouldn't be criminal. But if he makes a creepy statement while physically blocking the woman from exiting the room, or approaches her in a gropey manner but doesn't make contact, that's still assault. Probably not something he would get convicted for unless it was caught on video, but nevertheless...
Anonymous888 9y ago
Binary Capital is a sleazy VC, no ifs ands or buts about it. The valley is really small, and I've heard horrific stories of what this firm has done to their employees and founders. This includes Jonathon Teo as well. This really is just the tip of the iceberg for Binary Capital. I wouldn't take any investments from them ever.
- ithinkinstereo 9y ago
  If you know of any stories, please share them.
- deleted 9y ago
  [deleted]
- needlessly 9y ago
  you're just going to throw out Teo's name out there but not name anything sleazy he's done? Not even one example?
- ericvorheese 9y ago
  You really need to back up your assertions with concrete examples. Or you'll just be ignored.
  - Anonymous888 9y ago
    I understand, and being ignored is okay. If someone affected by them sees this, they may feel empowered to step forward. I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there, but the fact of the matter is, this isn't the end of this drama.
    - shostack 9y ago
      >"I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there" Isn't that what you just did with Jonathon Teo though?
      - Anonymous888 9y ago
limeblack 9y ago
As someone who had 3 male teachers in middle and high school fired because of sexual commments I'm still not sure how to respond to stuff like this. I'm always concerned how someones carrier might be altered considering someone could be lying.
- Anonymous888 9y ago
  This is one of those cases where there is a lot more to come...
- cortesoft 9y ago
  Well if you see his statement, they weren't lying.
go42 9y ago
If someone is accused of sexual assault, a police report should be filed. If he's hitting on women in inappropriate and aggressive ways, then he deserves to be villified but without details it's hard to understand what he did. I lost my job and got involved in a complex legal matter trying to defend girls from a predatory person. Most people simply do not care, and will avoid getting involved at all costs.
khazhou 9y ago
"Prominent" seems like a stretch. Never heard of him.
ganoushoreilly 9y ago
is the last thing you want as a founder
- coldtea 9y ago
  Because men founders deal with sexual harassment (that they don't cause to others) often?
  - gizmo686 9y ago
    That is not the point. There are two ways to view the problem: it is either a women's problem, or a people problem that dissproportionantly affects women. By framing it as a womens problem, you are turning it into an issue of identity politics, with all the pros and cons that come with it. (eg, stronger solidarity from the in-group, at the expanse of alienating the out-group, as well as the growing backlash to identity politics in general.) Also, even if relativly rare, we do not want to needlessly ignore male victims.
    - Mz 9y ago
      From what I have seen, this is more about who has power. Men tend to have more power than women. When the roles are reversed, women will sexually harass men. We need to work on coming up with ways to create a world in which power is less likely to lead to this type of abuse. I think that starts with generally having healthier attitudes surrounding sexuality.
      - ThrustVectoring 9y ago
        It's not just power. Men and women have somewhat different distributions of personalities. Women, on average, are more willing to try to smooth things over rather than engage in explicit conflict. If you flip the genders, then on average, abuse of power will cause outright conflict sooner rather than after it has built up to completely unacceptable levels.
        9y ago
V-eHGsd_ 9y ago
from the pando article this references: > We are now in a post-Susan Fowler world, I think I know what the author was trying to say, but that's a really weird way to say it. Susan is most definitely still alive and well. Susan wasn't an event, like 9/11. she is a woman with a lot of courage who wrote about a series of terrible things that happened to her.
- refurb 9y ago
  By putting the word "post-" in front of something, it makes the author sound smart. That's why they do it.
  - Bakary 9y ago
    I honestly think this is the real thought process behind things like these, even though it sounds a little cheeky.
    - jikeo 9y ago
      They said on hacker news. Personally I don't really see the problem. If you want to argue for a different state of things after some event, "post" seem like the correct word. Just like you would say "post war period". You might of course think that the statement itself is pretentious. But at least they argue their case, i.e the importance of her actions, in the article.
      - V-eHGsd_ 9y ago
        right. I don't think it's pretentious per-se, I just think it's really odd, like from a literary, use-of-the-english-language perspective. anyway, I just saw on the news that the serial-assaulter resigned, or has decided to take a travis (a leave of absence followed by a resignation), so that's a good thing.
randyrand 9y ago
I wish we treated all people that harass others and make other people feel uncomfortable or unsafe this way. Sexual harassment is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of behaviors that need correcting. Especially in men.
MJPitt 9y ago
Lets just not talk to women at all. Keep it a pay-for-sex relations. If you say anything these days it's "unwanted advancements". You're cute! Harassment Want an open relationship? Harassment Touch a girl you like? Harassment Just think how ridiculous this is. Did you not first touch the girl you like thinking she will be ok with it? And in most cases she is. If she isn't, she just say .. i'm not ok, or move on and give you a cold shoulder. That's how we human actually interact with one another. I'm sick of these women and more so, of these reporters, that try to destroy one person after another. For the most part, for clicks to their sites. So there you have it, please downvote this post. Let's all be PC and just hang this guy already. His side doesn't matter. Facts don't either.
reducesuffering 9y ago
What follows is a statement that Caldbeck provided to Axios this afternoon. "The past 24 hours have been the darkest of my life. I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry. I direct my apology first to those women who I've made feel uncomfortable in any way, at any time - but also to the greater tech ecosystem, a community that I have utterly failed. The power dynamic that exists in venture capital is despicably unfair. The gap of influence between male venture capitalists and female entrepreneurs is frightening and I hate that my behavior played a role in perpetrating a gender-hostile environment. It is outrageous and unethical for any person to leverage a position of power in exchange for sexual gain, it is clear to me now that that is exactly what I've done. I am deeply ashamed of my lack of self-awareness. I am grateful to Niniane, Susan, Leiti, and the other women who spoke up for providing me with a sobering look into my own character and behavior that I can no longer ignore. The dynamic of this industry makes it hard to speak up, but this is the type of action that leads to progress and change, starting with me. I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from Binary Capital, the firm I co-founded in 2014. I will be seeking professional counseling as I take steps to reflect on my behavior with and attitude towards women. I will find ways to learn from this difficult experience - and to help drive necessary changes in the broader venture community. The Binary team will also be taking measures to ensure that the firm is a safe place for founders of all backgrounds to find the support and resources they need to change the world, without abuse of power or mistreatment of any person. I owe a heartfelt apology to my family, my investors, my portfolio, and the team at Binary, who have been completely blindsided and in no way deserve the pain I've caused. But most of all I apologize again to those who I've hurt during the course of my career - and for the damage I've done to the industry I care so deeply about." https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-binary-capital-2446988189.html https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave...
- tptacek 9y ago
  Compare with his firm's statement: Binary issued a statement that said the notion Mr. Caldbeck had “engaged in improper behavior with female entrepreneurs” was “false.” Binary said that while The Information had “found a few examples which show that Justin has in the past occasionally dated or flirted with women he met in a professional capacity, let’s be clear: there is no evidence that Justin did anything illegal and there is no evidence that any of his investing decisions were affected by his social interest.
anotherfounder 9y ago
I really wish other founders would name and shame more, even if anonymously, but with examples. For most of the female founders who face these, there is no resource to turn to, to know who to avoid.
- rocqua 9y ago
  Such systems are either signed, and thus barely used, or anonymous and thus easily exploited. Journalists that could speak with people at length and confirm the story by further research still weren't willing to publish based on anonymous sources. This is in part because anonymous accusations can be a great tool in a defamation campaign. Furthermore, publishing anonymous claims without due-diligence discredits future anonymous claims. It might even back arguments like "Those sexual harassment claims always turn out to be smear campaigns".
  - anotherfounder 9y ago
    I don't believe this is an un-solvable problem. I do think that having closed lists/groups where this can be made public is also an option - like say, Female Founders group. People can also be encouraged to share the experience and the judgement can be made by those reading it. It is useful data that, unfortunately, too few of us are aware of, and are thus condemned to the same fate. I am fundraising, and wish I knew which sleazy firms/investors to not waste my time with.
- DelaneyM 9y ago
  Honestly, it wouldn't make a difference. Some VCs are sleazy, but their money's still green. I know with certainty of at least two firms with predatory/creepy partners, but that wouldn't stop me from including them in a round. This behaviour is inappropriate, but it's not nearly as bad as what we learn to fend off at the average final club/frat party.
  - anotherfounder 9y ago
    It would atleast give those founders an option - some agency. Atleast they would go in knowing what to expect and make that choice if it works for their situation. I hope you'd consider naming those firms/partners, for the benefit of others.
philip1209 9y ago
Reid Hoffman wrote an essay prompted by this, calling for building an "industry-wide HR function" for VC: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-rights-women-entrepreneurs-reid-hoffman https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-rights-women-entreprene...
- tootie 9y ago
  Is that like some sort of corporate police? That's actually not a bad idea. Like every sort of harassment claim goes to an independent agency to be evaluated and investigated. Any business who wants credibility with their employees pays some dues to that agency and agrees to abide their decisions.
  - ntsplnkv2 9y ago
    Almost like, the police? The law should be handling sexual harassment. The reasons why we have these issues with companies is because there's a conflict of interest. The police are a third party and have no interest in the success/failure of the company, ideally.
    - nbouscal 9y ago
      > The law should be handling sexual harassment. I think people on both sides of this issue would love it if the law showed itself capable of handling sexual harassment cases. Unfortunately we have way too much evidence that that just isn't the case. The obvious example that comes to mind is Brock Turner getting three months, and that's in the best case where someone is actually convicted. Far too often it never gets to that point, not because the harassment/assault didn't occur, but because the legal system is so utterly shit at handling it. The 'outragism' that so many people decry only exists in the first place because every system that is supposed to prevent or punish these acts has failed so completely.
      - ntsplnkv2 9y ago
        And we have even MORE evidence that companies ALWAYS mishandle these cases with BLATANT conflicts of interest. You're basically arguing that companies should become their own units of law enforcement with their own punishments as they see fit, with no oversight. That is clearly not going to work. It clearly hasn't. If the law is unfair, we have the power to change that law. Exceptions always exist but we can not make laws on exceptions. Meanwhile companies continue to allow harassment on a daily basis, Look at Fox News. Multiple cases. Imagine in other corporations?
idibidiart 9y ago
Silicon Valley is toxic until sexism, agism, racism, and homophobia are largely eliminated. Only then will it be a model for the world tech hubs to follow.
- hnnsj 9y ago
  Out of curiosity (I've never been to Silicon Valley, let alone worked there), are other tech hubs, or even other industries, that much better?
  - graphememes 9y ago
    No. Honestly Silicon Valley is heavily a "social club" where people of the same type group together just like high school, because many of them never grew out of highschool. Diversity is a joke to be honest. Go to any company, any single company, especially the ones that tout "diversity" it's all the same individual with the same "thought processes" with no actual diversity. Many hire people who think the same exact way re-skinned or same-gendered. One company that is about a block away that touts diversity is all liberal ideologues that spout the most racist and deflating things about everything. It's a very toxic environment for anyone who doesn't align with their ideology or beliefs. All of the individuals in the group have the same style. Can never tell them apart. All the same race. Yet on their twitter, jobs, facebook and even here they tout "Diversity! Friendly Co-Workers!" I've seen more diversity in companies that don't care about diversity or tout diversity. Sexual harassment and harassment happens more often at these companies, people who are being harassed and bullied about different things don't speak up. Most of the time it isn't women. I've been bullied by women before because a candidate wasn't female. I've been bullied by men before because a candidate was female or looked weak (physically). I've heard people bully for stutters, skin color, age, race, gender, everything. I don't care about that. I care about two things: Do you lift others up despite differences while resolving conflicts, and can you get the job done? Following these two, I've gutted these toxic behaviors (bullying, antagonistic, sexual harassment) from multiple companies and it's refreshing. It's completely out of control to be honest, it's becoming very toxic and demeaning toward specific races and genders (not just men).
emsal 9y ago
I don't think this particular article is suspect at all, but it's kind of important to note note that observer.com is the New York Observer, a media outlet owned by Jared Kushner.
itsucks 9y ago
1. We vote for Trump 2. We sexually harass women 3. We think Jesus had superpowers 4. We are racist 5. We despise the poor Yes it sucks to be me when I'm none of those things but that's what my people are known for.
- dang 9y ago
  Please don't do this here.
zabana 9y ago
At the risk of sounding like I'm defending the guy (which I'm not), do we have a comprehensive definition of "Sexual Assault and Harassement" ? Because in some places (northern europe for example) these terms have very volatile definitions which allows pretty much anything to fall under the "rape" category. I totally understand that repeatedly violating somebody's physical safe space is a form a sexual assault (grabbing someone's butt etc) but I'm not sure if bad jokes and misplaced remarks (however annoying) qualify as such. (Not trying to start a war here, I'm geniunly asking).
- URSpider94 9y ago
  In the USA, "sexual harassment" is generally defined as behavior or words of a sexual nature that make a person feel uncomfortable. Examples could range from an extreme of physical assault or offering a quid-pro-quo to keep ones job or get a promotion, all the way to telling lewd jokes or stories within earshot of a third party, or making comments or compliments about someone's dress or appearance (even telling a co-worker "you look lovely today" every morning).
  - _RPM 9y ago
    As a straight male, my manager comments on my clothes if I wear something nicer than usual, say a button up. It made very uncomfortable. I don't like when people comment on my appearance at work.
    - biafra 9y ago
      Did you tell them? Did you ask them to stop? Did they ignored your wish?
  - dump121 9y ago
    That's too broad / vague. I understand that if my actions/words are making/will make other person uncomfortable, I should stop. But if a coworker changed her hair style and I complemented it, can I be legally complained against?
deleted 9y ago
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mangofoobar 9y ago
So is he being charged with anything? Do the women have evidence of any amount to corroborate it? What are they seeking to happen to him? This is a serious question... because I do not see a link to the indictment.
sqldba 9y ago
It's so hard to imagine how this kind of thing goes on. I've worked in small and large companies in Australia and (in those places) nobody could get away with messing with female staff. So it drives me crazy to hear people getting away with it. It makes the world look majority bad - instead of minority bad.
vonnik 9y ago
This article is a bit outdated. Caldbeck has since published a second statement and stepped down from the firm: https://www.recode.net/2017/6/23/15865422/justin-caldbeck-leave-absence-sexual-harassment-binary-capital-investment-firm https://www.recode.net/2017/6/23/15865422/justin-caldbeck-le...
anonak 9y ago
This harassment won't stop until people are punished.Some must make sacrifices and kill their attackers. I failed to kill my attacker and now it would be difficult to kill him. So my advice is to kill asap. I also plan to kill not now but when I am older and closer to death. I will kill not my attacker but others who are going to become attackers. If I could I would kill my attackers but it would be difficult now to carry out.
- ryanx435 9y ago
  wow you don't sound crazy at all./s but seriously you should talk to a professional about your murderous fantasies.
jondubois 9y ago
The apology is well crafted - Pulitzer Prize material but it doesn't seem connected to reality. Maybe it's even a little over the top; it's hard to believe that someone who could behave like this could experience such profound feelings of remorse. It sounds like he is sorry for being caught.
- qubex 9y ago
  This can be leveled at pretty much any coherent, cogent apology issued after a misdeed has been detected. I'm not saying you're wrong, but some risk of hypocrisy is always inherent in the act of apologising. That's why in the main we're wary of them.
Stenzel 9y ago
This article has zero information, but a picture and name of the accused man. This modern kind of witch hunt is disgusting. It also seems to be that the bar for calling something sexual harassement is constantly lowered and results in a poisoned atmosphere where any playful transgression between genders is rendered impossible. It also contradicts my personal experience, where men and women alike enjoy to initiate talk about explicitly sexual topics, both at work or elsewhere. Most times I see sexual harassment reported, I cannot help the impression that there is very little damage but the accuser enjoys the combination of showing her privilege as an attractive person while victimising herself. I am happy that these poisoned perceptions and regulations have not yet fully come to Europe, but without questioning the purpose and truthfulness of articles as this, it is just a matter of time. I am not saying sexual harassment is not happening, I have indeed been subjected to it myself, but if this leads to a man being pilloried like this without substantial and specific proof, the damage outweighs the benefits by far.
- s_kilk 9y ago
  > where any playful transgression between genders is rendered impossible. As it damn well should be. To be clear: if you're making unwanted 'transgressions' against women in your workplace then you are in the wrong. Women are not your playthings.
  - coolcat84 9y ago
    I don't believe the original comment was referring to anything other than banter among a group. I have been in perfectly reasonable conversations within a group where a woman has taken a statement so wildly out of context that frivolous reports are filed and it hurts the credibility of any truly meaningful incidents that may have happened. > Women are not your playthings Yeah, you're right. Neither are the livelihoods of men who have to police perfectly normal speech for fear of being purposefully twisted. I'm obviously not referring to the Caldbeck situation.
    - xwvvvvwx 9y ago
      I have been in perfectly reasonable conversations within a group where a woman has taken a statement so wildly out of context that frivolous reports are filed Why do you think you have the right to decide whether someone else should find a comment inappropriate or not?
ryguytilidie 9y ago
This guy had to do SO MUCH bad shit before he was finally called out and I think it speaks to a major problem with Silicon Valley. I've been working with startups since 2011 and in that time I've seen: -A Head of HR who gave promotions to his employees based on sexual favors given. This person happened to be friends with the CEO and employees got in trouble for reporting him. -A founder and dealing with the above situation and doing an "investigation" that ended with nothing. -The same founder referring the employees who were fired to their friends dumpster fire of a company so they could get a referral bonus. -A founder I worked with belittled women, all of their female developers left after a few months. I wrote a glassdoor review and was repeatedly threatened by said founder. -Worked with a founder who has repeatedly been accused of sexual harassment to the point where there are multiple articles about it. Same founder hooked up with multiple younger female employees while on coke in another country on a company trip. During a round of layoffs, the women saved were the women sleeping with executives (there were 4!!!). Still CEO obv. -Finally, at larger companies with multiple younger founders I've seen wayyyy too many situations where male boss puts female employee in awkward situations, whether its an arm around them in the hot tub or extreme extra attention over male employees. Each time I thought about pointing out this behavior, there was some sort of threat/warning about shutting up and letting it happen, often followed by actual legal threats. Watch who you work with...
- awkwarddaturtle 9y ago
  People don't know what an absolute greedy cesspool silicon valley is. It's money. It's human nature.
hellofunk 9y ago
The show Halt and Catch Fire dealt with this problem in the VC industry. It's been going on awhile and is certainly not limited to Caldbeck.
monicaxie 9y ago
I met Justin Calback one week before the news exploded. I was so shocked, even though I have not (yet?) had awkward experience with Justin (he has actually has been pretty helpful). Throughout my work on both sides of the table, I’ve been lucky to have met many very helpful and respected mentors/peers, however, this “risk of networking for female” has never been strange. It started with this: I reached out to someone for advice/business, meetings went great and constructive, a couple of emails and coffee, before I got excited about having a great connection, they may ask for a drink. At first, I was confused but agreed, wondering if this is the “valley/American culture” that I should get used to, then things unexpectedly turned awkward even if I tried to keep the conversations professional. Eventually, I don’t know how to maintain this connection. Now that I’ve learned to “keep things professional”, but compared to my male friends’ networking experience, I still haven’t figured out the best boundary to set. Does “being professional” mean that I can’t have personal talks with male professionals? If a guy can be both professional connection and personal friend with another guy, why can’t I? I thought that only Asian people mix business and personal connections (given how popular wechat has been used as a “virtual business card” in China), turns out that in US, it’s not that different: you see male investors get drinks to catch up or meet new friends, afterwards they become good business partners. I believe this is not the first time a female talk about this. Many people’s reaction may be: oh she must have given some hint that caused misunderstanding, or, when a guy does that, just stay away from him. Hey, what if an attractive lady got into this uncomfortable situation from 1/3 of her networking? I’m not here to complain. I’m sincerely hoping to hear some advice on how to best handle this networking difficulty, because as far as I know, I’m not alone.

467 points by philip1209 9y ago

crsv 9y ago

In this lovely thread I'm sure we'll get to see the wonderful, even keeled, thoughtful folks that respect due process and are emotionally and cognitively capable of requiring evidence and proof before taking allegations as direct intentional criminality. That's definitely going to happen.

Svexar 9y ago

Binary Capital: You either get it or you don't

tabeth 9y ago

In these situations how are things actually proved? Is it just a "he said, she said" situation? In any case, it's a bold move to go on record, though I'm curious what difference it actually makes. EDIT: Ah, it seems going on record is necessary to actually bring charges to someone.

asdfologist 9y ago
The second paragraph said he sent texts. Texts can be verified.
- tabeth 9y ago
  Are texts really an example of "sexual assault?" My understanding was that sexual assault had to be physical, though I may (probably) be wrong. EDIT: Thanks for the clarification, all. As many have pointed out, there's also the harassment portion. I guess my question is now: how do you prove intent? I know nothing about due process, so I'm curious. I suppose in this case it really matters what it says in the texts.
  - vkou 9y ago
    The texts are trivially verifiable proof of harassment, AFAIK, there is no trivially verifiable proof for the assault.
    - deleted 9y ago
      [deleted]
  - runevault 9y ago
    Legal definition of assault is not what you'd think it is, and I'd assume sexual assault legally is the same thing, just in a sexual manner. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/assault http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/assault edit: For reference the actual physical acts are battery in the legal sense.
  - kinkrtyavimoodh 9y ago
    There's also harassment, which can be textual.
  - bsder 9y ago
    Not in and unto themselves, but they certainly establish a pattern and lend more credence to the actual charges being brought. They help move the needle from simply "He said; she said."
  - jimrandomh 9y ago
    No, but they can be strong evidence if they include people talking about what happened.
  - lmkg 9y ago
    Texts would be an example of "sexual harassment." Some types of sexual assault can be proven by medical examination, if the exam happens soon after, although many actions that qualify as sexual assault will either not show up on an exam, or can be proven to be "sexual" but not "assault." However, in cases like this where there is an ongoing relationship before and after the incident, the text messages will often refer to physical events. These can be evidence that a physical event happened, and what the attitudes and beliefs of the involved people were towards the incident at the time. Although even that is still a large amount of he-said-she-said and drawing large inferences from circumstantial data.
drewrv 9y ago
In this case it's more of a "he said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said".
- sillysaurus3 9y ago
  When it involves rich or powerful people, the ability to get many she-said's becomes easier. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but due process exists for a reason. We should reserve judgement until the investigation progresses further.
  - vkou 9y ago
    When it involves serial harassers, the ability to get many she-saids becomes easy, too. Do you really think that founders are lining up to put their personal and professional reputation on the line, to smear this guy, as part of a vast female conspiracy? They have fucking text messages to back their story up. Are those easy to fabricate too, when it comes to rich and powerful people?
    - cuckcuckspruce 9y ago
      That's exactly why we have due process - to evaluate evidence in an impartial and equitable way. GP's point was more about due process than anything else, so could you extend the assumption of good faith to their comment and engage with that point?
      - vkou 9y ago
        I'm not a court of law, I'm not locking him up in a prison, and I don't need proof of guilt beyond an unreasonable doubt to take these allegations seriously.
        deleted 9y ago
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        deleted 9y ago
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philip1209 9y ago
This article seems to indicate that multiple journalists were investigating these allegations, but couldn't go to press without sources: https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html One journalist got six sources, three on the record, and claims to have verified parts of the stories (such as reviewing message history on phones), which led him to have the confidence to go to press.
- tabeth 9y ago
  Right, I read that, but is it necessary to be publicly on the record? Couldn't the information be privately confirmed, protecting the women from retaliation and still allowing the case/accusation to move forward? It just seems like an unnecessary risk/vulnerability. Of course, there's also the fact that by going on the record you also encourage others to do the same, which is an immeasurable benefit.
  - niniane 9y ago
    I am one of the three women who went on the record with my name: Niniane Wang. I initially asked to be anonymous, but no reporter would publish unless they had named sources. I knew that Justin was continuing to harass women. Using my name was the only way to stop him. In other words, yes, it was necessary to be publicly on the record.
    - ajoy 9y ago
      Niniane, I can only imagine the mental anguish you must have gone through. I applaud you and the other women for taking a stance, a public stance and standing up to these perverts. You are an inspiration.
    - Anonymous888 9y ago
      Niniane - thank you so much for having the courage to step forward.
    - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
      Thank you for making a stand and calling inappropriate behavior out.
deleted 9y ago
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hmahncke 9y ago
You could ask his employer, which said "...while The Information had found a few examples which show that Justin has in the past occasionally dated or flirted with women he met in a professional capacity , let’s be clear: there is no evidence that Justin did anything illegal and there is no evidence that any of his investing decisions were affected by his social interests.” So it happened, it's just that he doesn't realize how wildly unacceptable it was.
solidsnack9000 9y ago
> EDIT: Ah, it seems going on record is necessary to actually bring charges to someone. This is an interesting comment and sheds some light on what is happening here. There is no need to be publicly named in a news article to bring charges in a court of law; but in a court of law there is a clear and regular process for evaluating charges; and one does actually submit to the possibility of retaliation in a limited form: false accusations carry punishments of their own. Justin has already quit. In some sense, charges were brought in the court of public opinion -- and for these to have any weight, there must be some element of credibility attached to them. Journalists are not cops and just quoting "unnamed sources" is not enough to substantiate the idea that someone should lose their job, in part because unnamed sources accept no scrutiny and no risk. Attaching one's name to something like this is the only way to lend any weight to it, in the absence of any judicial process.

radicalbyte 9y ago

One of the girls interviewed on Startup Podcast mentioned that a VC propositioned her; like these girls she was Asian. I wonder if this guy is the same alleged pervert?

_RPM 9y ago
All of his victims are Asian in this case.
- ithinkinstereo 9y ago
  As is his wife.
  - dosgonlogs 9y ago
    He has a wife? Oh man.
  - deleted 9y ago
    [deleted]
- bherms 9y ago
  An Asian colleague of mine also was subject to inappropriate behavior from him a few years back.
bruceb 9y ago
One might call them women...
- radicalbyte 9y ago
  I'm British, it's customary here to use 'girl' instead of 'woman'. It can be offensive to say 'woman' to a woman under the age of ~50.
  - ryanx435 9y ago
    this is a perfect example of why, in a globally connected world, this problem will never be solved: different cultures have different standards for appropriateness and harrasement: you are trying to not be offensive and so used the world "girl", and someone else is offended because you didn't use the word "woman."

gorbachev 9y ago

"While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable." I wonder what kind of significant context was missing? They asked for it? /sarcasm

snvzz 9y ago
Apologising. A classic mistake. What's possibly just a display of good will is going to get abused as admission of guilt.
- gorbachev 9y ago
  This apology translates to: "I think they're full of shit, but I apologize anyway"
  - ithinkinstereo 9y ago
    No, thats not at all how his apology translates. This is his statement in full: Obviously, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations. While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable. The fact is that I have been privileged to have worked with female entrepreneurs throughout my career and I sincerely apologize to anyone who I made uncomfortable by my actions. There’s no denying this is an issue in the venture community, and I hate that my behavior has contributed to it. How do you get "I think they're full of shit" out of that? This reads to me like a tacit admission that if anything else, his behavior is inappropriate and sketchy by any conventional sense. Appropriate and professional behavior does not need "significant context" to back it up.
    - Bartweiss 9y ago
      He's made a larger statement since, including: "I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry." ... "I will be seeking professional counseling as I take steps to reflect on my behavior with and attitude towards women." That's about as far as a person can go without making an admissible confession, and seems to clear up basically all doubt.

davidu 9y ago

This is disgusting, pathetic, and predatory. It also has a long-term chilling effect on women in technology and entrepreneurship. I am surprised by the lack of outrage over this behavior.

iagreeentirely 9y ago
At the moment it's allegations. The outrage should come after evidence is uncovered. Not that it will matter in the end. Recent events have shown that you can flat out admit to drugging women in order to have sex with them and still be acquitted if you have adequate stature and fame. (Ok, I should be more fair. A mistrial is not an acquittal.)
- ithinkinstereo 9y ago
  The Axios article (https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html https://www.axios.com/pro-rata-2446752020.html) details a long history of sketchy behavior. In addition to the three accusers: - While at lightspeed, accusations from a female founder at a portfolio company was serious enough that the "situation rose to the broader board level, with the ultimate resolution resulting in non-disclosure agreements on all sides." - While at Bain Ventures, a female founder accused Justin of inviting him over to his hotel room to "finish the conversation" even knowing she had a BF (not that being single would make it at all appropriate). - Two other female founders with similar stories that don't want to go on the record I also think it's worthy to note that all his (public) accusers are asian, as is his wife. Occam's razer...
  - Bartweiss 9y ago
    Even more relevant: https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-binary-capital-2446988189.html https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave... Caldbeck has apologized, taken leave, and did not contest any of the claims.
    - iagreeentirely 9y ago

jmcgough 9y ago

Really glad to see people like this getting called out. Dealing with sexual harassment/assault from someone in power is the last thing you want as a female founder - you have a million other things you need to do to keep your startup afloat, and you don't want to rock the boat if it affects your likelihood of being funded. Feels like the valley is slowly but surely changing. And yes, I recognize that this hasn't been "proven", but really what's the chance than there's a shadowy cabal of women who start companies in order to target individual VCs. These women have little to gain from this and everything to lose. Occams razor is that he's at the very least doing something that's inappropriate.

deleted 9y ago
[deleted]
munchbunny 9y ago
The sad part to me is that this is just the part of the iceberg that is visible above the surface. I've heard stories from several female founders/VC's (not naming names or specific details to protect anonymity) who have experienced repeated unwelcome advances even after it was made clear they had a significant other. That's not as egregious as groping (one of the accusations in this article), but that's still sexual harassment by the letter of the law and slimy as hell every other way. Another common theme I noticed is when the man in question stays in the gray area where individual incidents aren't clearly over the line and might not qualify legally as sexual harassment, but in context and in aggregate it's clear why a woman would feel very uncomfortable. How do you confront something like that when they can just question your perception of reality? In all but one case, the women decided against confrontation because the man was in a much more powerful position (such as a general partner of a VC fund), and the women were afraid of retribution and risking killing their careers by taking a principled stand. They all wished they could do more, but decided they didn't want to be martyrs. That's a bad position to be in. I think it's damning of the industry that these women have accepted silence on the matter as part of the burden of being a woman and pursuing this line of work. Granted I'm looking at this with N < 10, but everyone I've talked to shares the sentiment that it's a pattern, not a coincidence. I'm hopeful that everything going on around Uber will move the needle enough that more people are willing to come forward.

solotronics 9y ago

Serious question, does free speech apply in these situations? You have the unalienable right to speak your mind and some people may be offended but that is not illegal. I totally understand if you are employed by someone you can't easily get away if you are made uncomfortable but this is entirely a voluntary situation. Also, if you really think about it making something that makes someone uncomfortable illegal is weird. So by the same logic I should be able to sue my employer if he farts too much or is annoying in general?

mumphster 9y ago
Sexual assault is not an issue of free speech. Its sexual assault.
Gabriel_Martin 9y ago
see u/davidu's response
jmcgough 9y ago
If you read the article, the allegations include him groping women without their consent. That's not just making someone uncomfortable, that's sexual assault.
guelo 9y ago
Also free speech: telling the whole world that someone is a reckless asshole that should not be trusted.
DavidAdams 9y ago
Have you ever heard the term "assault and battery?" Battery is hitting someone. Assault doesn't have to include physical contact to be a crime, it just has to include action that demonstrates an attempt to harm or threaten. It's true that there are a lot of things that a creep VC could say to a female founder that would be creepy, that would be harassment, that should probably get him fired, but wouldn't be criminal. But if he makes a creepy statement while physically blocking the woman from exiting the room, or approaches her in a gropey manner but doesn't make contact, that's still assault. Probably not something he would get convicted for unless it was caught on video, but nevertheless...

Anonymous888 9y ago

Binary Capital is a sleazy VC, no ifs ands or buts about it. The valley is really small, and I've heard horrific stories of what this firm has done to their employees and founders. This includes Jonathon Teo as well. This really is just the tip of the iceberg for Binary Capital. I wouldn't take any investments from them ever.

ithinkinstereo 9y ago
If you know of any stories, please share them.
deleted 9y ago
[deleted]
needlessly 9y ago
you're just going to throw out Teo's name out there but not name anything sleazy he's done? Not even one example?
ericvorheese 9y ago
You really need to back up your assertions with concrete examples. Or you'll just be ignored.
- Anonymous888 9y ago
  I understand, and being ignored is okay. If someone affected by them sees this, they may feel empowered to step forward. I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there, but the fact of the matter is, this isn't the end of this drama.
  - shostack 9y ago
    >"I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there" Isn't that what you just did with Jonathon Teo though?
    - Anonymous888 9y ago

limeblack 9y ago

As someone who had 3 male teachers in middle and high school fired because of sexual commments I'm still not sure how to respond to stuff like this. I'm always concerned how someones carrier might be altered considering someone could be lying.

Anonymous888 9y ago
This is one of those cases where there is a lot more to come...
cortesoft 9y ago
Well if you see his statement, they weren't lying.

go42 9y ago

If someone is accused of sexual assault, a police report should be filed. If he's hitting on women in inappropriate and aggressive ways, then he deserves to be villified but without details it's hard to understand what he did. I lost my job and got involved in a complex legal matter trying to defend girls from a predatory person. Most people simply do not care, and will avoid getting involved at all costs.

khazhou 9y ago

"Prominent" seems like a stretch. Never heard of him.

ganoushoreilly 9y ago

is the last thing you want as a founder

coldtea 9y ago
Because men founders deal with sexual harassment (that they don't cause to others) often?
- gizmo686 9y ago
  That is not the point. There are two ways to view the problem: it is either a women's problem, or a people problem that dissproportionantly affects women. By framing it as a womens problem, you are turning it into an issue of identity politics, with all the pros and cons that come with it. (eg, stronger solidarity from the in-group, at the expanse of alienating the out-group, as well as the growing backlash to identity politics in general.) Also, even if relativly rare, we do not want to needlessly ignore male victims.
  - Mz 9y ago
    From what I have seen, this is more about who has power. Men tend to have more power than women. When the roles are reversed, women will sexually harass men. We need to work on coming up with ways to create a world in which power is less likely to lead to this type of abuse. I think that starts with generally having healthier attitudes surrounding sexuality.
    - ThrustVectoring 9y ago
      It's not just power. Men and women have somewhat different distributions of personalities. Women, on average, are more willing to try to smooth things over rather than engage in explicit conflict. If you flip the genders, then on average, abuse of power will cause outright conflict sooner rather than after it has built up to completely unacceptable levels.
      - 9y ago

V-eHGsd_ 9y ago

from the pando article this references: > We are now in a post-Susan Fowler world, I think I know what the author was trying to say, but that's a really weird way to say it. Susan is most definitely still alive and well. Susan wasn't an event, like 9/11. she is a woman with a lot of courage who wrote about a series of terrible things that happened to her.

refurb 9y ago
By putting the word "post-" in front of something, it makes the author sound smart. That's why they do it.
- Bakary 9y ago
  I honestly think this is the real thought process behind things like these, even though it sounds a little cheeky.
  - jikeo 9y ago
    They said on hacker news. Personally I don't really see the problem. If you want to argue for a different state of things after some event, "post" seem like the correct word. Just like you would say "post war period". You might of course think that the statement itself is pretentious. But at least they argue their case, i.e the importance of her actions, in the article.
    - V-eHGsd_ 9y ago
      right. I don't think it's pretentious per-se, I just think it's really odd, like from a literary, use-of-the-english-language perspective. anyway, I just saw on the news that the serial-assaulter resigned, or has decided to take a travis (a leave of absence followed by a resignation), so that's a good thing.

randyrand 9y ago

I wish we treated all people that harass others and make other people feel uncomfortable or unsafe this way. Sexual harassment is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of behaviors that need correcting. Especially in men.

MJPitt 9y ago

Lets just not talk to women at all. Keep it a pay-for-sex relations. If you say anything these days it's "unwanted advancements". You're cute! Harassment Want an open relationship? Harassment Touch a girl you like? Harassment Just think how ridiculous this is. Did you not first touch the girl you like thinking she will be ok with it? And in most cases she is. If she isn't, she just say .. i'm not ok, or move on and give you a cold shoulder. That's how we human actually interact with one another. I'm sick of these women and more so, of these reporters, that try to destroy one person after another. For the most part, for clicks to their sites. So there you have it, please downvote this post. Let's all be PC and just hang this guy already. His side doesn't matter. Facts don't either.

reducesuffering 9y ago

What follows is a statement that Caldbeck provided to Axios this afternoon. "The past 24 hours have been the darkest of my life. I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry. I direct my apology first to those women who I've made feel uncomfortable in any way, at any time - but also to the greater tech ecosystem, a community that I have utterly failed. The power dynamic that exists in venture capital is despicably unfair. The gap of influence between male venture capitalists and female entrepreneurs is frightening and I hate that my behavior played a role in perpetrating a gender-hostile environment. It is outrageous and unethical for any person to leverage a position of power in exchange for sexual gain, it is clear to me now that that is exactly what I've done. I am deeply ashamed of my lack of self-awareness. I am grateful to Niniane, Susan, Leiti, and the other women who spoke up for providing me with a sobering look into my own character and behavior that I can no longer ignore. The dynamic of this industry makes it hard to speak up, but this is the type of action that leads to progress and change, starting with me. I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from Binary Capital, the firm I co-founded in 2014. I will be seeking professional counseling as I take steps to reflect on my behavior with and attitude towards women. I will find ways to learn from this difficult experience - and to help drive necessary changes in the broader venture community. The Binary team will also be taking measures to ensure that the firm is a safe place for founders of all backgrounds to find the support and resources they need to change the world, without abuse of power or mistreatment of any person. I owe a heartfelt apology to my family, my investors, my portfolio, and the team at Binary, who have been completely blindsided and in no way deserve the pain I've caused. But most of all I apologize again to those who I've hurt during the course of my career - and for the damage I've done to the industry I care so deeply about." https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-binary-capital-2446988189.html https://www.axios.com/justin-caldbeck-takes-indefinite-leave...

tptacek 9y ago
Compare with his firm's statement: Binary issued a statement that said the notion Mr. Caldbeck had “engaged in improper behavior with female entrepreneurs” was “false.” Binary said that while The Information had “found a few examples which show that Justin has in the past occasionally dated or flirted with women he met in a professional capacity, let’s be clear: there is no evidence that Justin did anything illegal and there is no evidence that any of his investing decisions were affected by his social interest.

anotherfounder 9y ago

I really wish other founders would name and shame more, even if anonymously, but with examples. For most of the female founders who face these, there is no resource to turn to, to know who to avoid.

rocqua 9y ago
Such systems are either signed, and thus barely used, or anonymous and thus easily exploited. Journalists that could speak with people at length and confirm the story by further research still weren't willing to publish based on anonymous sources. This is in part because anonymous accusations can be a great tool in a defamation campaign. Furthermore, publishing anonymous claims without due-diligence discredits future anonymous claims. It might even back arguments like "Those sexual harassment claims always turn out to be smear campaigns".
- anotherfounder 9y ago
  I don't believe this is an un-solvable problem. I do think that having closed lists/groups where this can be made public is also an option - like say, Female Founders group. People can also be encouraged to share the experience and the judgement can be made by those reading it. It is useful data that, unfortunately, too few of us are aware of, and are thus condemned to the same fate. I am fundraising, and wish I knew which sleazy firms/investors to not waste my time with.
DelaneyM 9y ago
Honestly, it wouldn't make a difference. Some VCs are sleazy, but their money's still green. I know with certainty of at least two firms with predatory/creepy partners, but that wouldn't stop me from including them in a round. This behaviour is inappropriate, but it's not nearly as bad as what we learn to fend off at the average final club/frat party.
- anotherfounder 9y ago
  It would atleast give those founders an option - some agency. Atleast they would go in knowing what to expect and make that choice if it works for their situation. I hope you'd consider naming those firms/partners, for the benefit of others.

philip1209 9y ago

Reid Hoffman wrote an essay prompted by this, calling for building an "industry-wide HR function" for VC: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-rights-women-entrepreneurs-reid-hoffman https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-rights-women-entreprene...

tootie 9y ago
Is that like some sort of corporate police? That's actually not a bad idea. Like every sort of harassment claim goes to an independent agency to be evaluated and investigated. Any business who wants credibility with their employees pays some dues to that agency and agrees to abide their decisions.
- ntsplnkv2 9y ago
  Almost like, the police? The law should be handling sexual harassment. The reasons why we have these issues with companies is because there's a conflict of interest. The police are a third party and have no interest in the success/failure of the company, ideally.
  - nbouscal 9y ago
    > The law should be handling sexual harassment. I think people on both sides of this issue would love it if the law showed itself capable of handling sexual harassment cases. Unfortunately we have way too much evidence that that just isn't the case. The obvious example that comes to mind is Brock Turner getting three months, and that's in the best case where someone is actually convicted. Far too often it never gets to that point, not because the harassment/assault didn't occur, but because the legal system is so utterly shit at handling it. The 'outragism' that so many people decry only exists in the first place because every system that is supposed to prevent or punish these acts has failed so completely.
    - ntsplnkv2 9y ago
      And we have even MORE evidence that companies ALWAYS mishandle these cases with BLATANT conflicts of interest. You're basically arguing that companies should become their own units of law enforcement with their own punishments as they see fit, with no oversight. That is clearly not going to work. It clearly hasn't. If the law is unfair, we have the power to change that law. Exceptions always exist but we can not make laws on exceptions. Meanwhile companies continue to allow harassment on a daily basis, Look at Fox News. Multiple cases. Imagine in other corporations?

idibidiart 9y ago

Silicon Valley is toxic until sexism, agism, racism, and homophobia are largely eliminated. Only then will it be a model for the world tech hubs to follow.

hnnsj 9y ago
Out of curiosity (I've never been to Silicon Valley, let alone worked there), are other tech hubs, or even other industries, that much better?
- graphememes 9y ago
  No. Honestly Silicon Valley is heavily a "social club" where people of the same type group together just like high school, because many of them never grew out of highschool. Diversity is a joke to be honest. Go to any company, any single company, especially the ones that tout "diversity" it's all the same individual with the same "thought processes" with no actual diversity. Many hire people who think the same exact way re-skinned or same-gendered. One company that is about a block away that touts diversity is all liberal ideologues that spout the most racist and deflating things about everything. It's a very toxic environment for anyone who doesn't align with their ideology or beliefs. All of the individuals in the group have the same style. Can never tell them apart. All the same race. Yet on their twitter, jobs, facebook and even here they tout "Diversity! Friendly Co-Workers!" I've seen more diversity in companies that don't care about diversity or tout diversity. Sexual harassment and harassment happens more often at these companies, people who are being harassed and bullied about different things don't speak up. Most of the time it isn't women. I've been bullied by women before because a candidate wasn't female. I've been bullied by men before because a candidate was female or looked weak (physically). I've heard people bully for stutters, skin color, age, race, gender, everything. I don't care about that. I care about two things: Do you lift others up despite differences while resolving conflicts, and can you get the job done? Following these two, I've gutted these toxic behaviors (bullying, antagonistic, sexual harassment) from multiple companies and it's refreshing. It's completely out of control to be honest, it's becoming very toxic and demeaning toward specific races and genders (not just men).

emsal 9y ago

I don't think this particular article is suspect at all, but it's kind of important to note note that observer.com is the New York Observer, a media outlet owned by Jared Kushner.

itsucks 9y ago

1. We vote for Trump 2. We sexually harass women 3. We think Jesus had superpowers 4. We are racist 5. We despise the poor Yes it sucks to be me when I'm none of those things but that's what my people are known for.

dang 9y ago
Please don't do this here.

zabana 9y ago

At the risk of sounding like I'm defending the guy (which I'm not), do we have a comprehensive definition of "Sexual Assault and Harassement" ? Because in some places (northern europe for example) these terms have very volatile definitions which allows pretty much anything to fall under the "rape" category. I totally understand that repeatedly violating somebody's physical safe space is a form a sexual assault (grabbing someone's butt etc) but I'm not sure if bad jokes and misplaced remarks (however annoying) qualify as such. (Not trying to start a war here, I'm geniunly asking).

URSpider94 9y ago
In the USA, "sexual harassment" is generally defined as behavior or words of a sexual nature that make a person feel uncomfortable. Examples could range from an extreme of physical assault or offering a quid-pro-quo to keep ones job or get a promotion, all the way to telling lewd jokes or stories within earshot of a third party, or making comments or compliments about someone's dress or appearance (even telling a co-worker "you look lovely today" every morning).
- _RPM 9y ago
  As a straight male, my manager comments on my clothes if I wear something nicer than usual, say a button up. It made very uncomfortable. I don't like when people comment on my appearance at work.
  - biafra 9y ago
    Did you tell them? Did you ask them to stop? Did they ignored your wish?
- dump121 9y ago
  That's too broad / vague. I understand that if my actions/words are making/will make other person uncomfortable, I should stop. But if a coworker changed her hair style and I complemented it, can I be legally complained against?

deleted 9y ago

[deleted]

mangofoobar 9y ago

So is he being charged with anything? Do the women have evidence of any amount to corroborate it? What are they seeking to happen to him? This is a serious question... because I do not see a link to the indictment.

sqldba 9y ago

It's so hard to imagine how this kind of thing goes on. I've worked in small and large companies in Australia and (in those places) nobody could get away with messing with female staff. So it drives me crazy to hear people getting away with it. It makes the world look majority bad - instead of minority bad.

vonnik 9y ago

This article is a bit outdated. Caldbeck has since published a second statement and stepped down from the firm: https://www.recode.net/2017/6/23/15865422/justin-caldbeck-leave-absence-sexual-harassment-binary-capital-investment-firm https://www.recode.net/2017/6/23/15865422/justin-caldbeck-le...

anonak 9y ago

This harassment won't stop until people are punished.Some must make sacrifices and kill their attackers. I failed to kill my attacker and now it would be difficult to kill him. So my advice is to kill asap. I also plan to kill not now but when I am older and closer to death. I will kill not my attacker but others who are going to become attackers. If I could I would kill my attackers but it would be difficult now to carry out.

ryanx435 9y ago
wow you don't sound crazy at all./s but seriously you should talk to a professional about your murderous fantasies.

jondubois 9y ago

The apology is well crafted - Pulitzer Prize material but it doesn't seem connected to reality. Maybe it's even a little over the top; it's hard to believe that someone who could behave like this could experience such profound feelings of remorse. It sounds like he is sorry for being caught.

qubex 9y ago
This can be leveled at pretty much any coherent, cogent apology issued after a misdeed has been detected. I'm not saying you're wrong, but some risk of hypocrisy is always inherent in the act of apologising. That's why in the main we're wary of them.

Stenzel 9y ago

This article has zero information, but a picture and name of the accused man. This modern kind of witch hunt is disgusting. It also seems to be that the bar for calling something sexual harassement is constantly lowered and results in a poisoned atmosphere where any playful transgression between genders is rendered impossible. It also contradicts my personal experience, where men and women alike enjoy to initiate talk about explicitly sexual topics, both at work or elsewhere. Most times I see sexual harassment reported, I cannot help the impression that there is very little damage but the accuser enjoys the combination of showing her privilege as an attractive person while victimising herself. I am happy that these poisoned perceptions and regulations have not yet fully come to Europe, but without questioning the purpose and truthfulness of articles as this, it is just a matter of time. I am not saying sexual harassment is not happening, I have indeed been subjected to it myself, but if this leads to a man being pilloried like this without substantial and specific proof, the damage outweighs the benefits by far.

s_kilk 9y ago
> where any playful transgression between genders is rendered impossible. As it damn well should be. To be clear: if you're making unwanted 'transgressions' against women in your workplace then you are in the wrong. Women are not your playthings.
- coolcat84 9y ago
  I don't believe the original comment was referring to anything other than banter among a group. I have been in perfectly reasonable conversations within a group where a woman has taken a statement so wildly out of context that frivolous reports are filed and it hurts the credibility of any truly meaningful incidents that may have happened. > Women are not your playthings Yeah, you're right. Neither are the livelihoods of men who have to police perfectly normal speech for fear of being purposefully twisted. I'm obviously not referring to the Caldbeck situation.
  - xwvvvvwx 9y ago
    I have been in perfectly reasonable conversations within a group where a woman has taken a statement so wildly out of context that frivolous reports are filed Why do you think you have the right to decide whether someone else should find a comment inappropriate or not?

ryguytilidie 9y ago

This guy had to do SO MUCH bad shit before he was finally called out and I think it speaks to a major problem with Silicon Valley. I've been working with startups since 2011 and in that time I've seen: -A Head of HR who gave promotions to his employees based on sexual favors given. This person happened to be friends with the CEO and employees got in trouble for reporting him. -A founder and dealing with the above situation and doing an "investigation" that ended with nothing. -The same founder referring the employees who were fired to their friends dumpster fire of a company so they could get a referral bonus. -A founder I worked with belittled women, all of their female developers left after a few months. I wrote a glassdoor review and was repeatedly threatened by said founder. -Worked with a founder who has repeatedly been accused of sexual harassment to the point where there are multiple articles about it. Same founder hooked up with multiple younger female employees while on coke in another country on a company trip. During a round of layoffs, the women saved were the women sleeping with executives (there were 4!!!). Still CEO obv. -Finally, at larger companies with multiple younger founders I've seen wayyyy too many situations where male boss puts female employee in awkward situations, whether its an arm around them in the hot tub or extreme extra attention over male employees. Each time I thought about pointing out this behavior, there was some sort of threat/warning about shutting up and letting it happen, often followed by actual legal threats. Watch who you work with...

awkwarddaturtle 9y ago
People don't know what an absolute greedy cesspool silicon valley is. It's money. It's human nature.

hellofunk 9y ago

The show Halt and Catch Fire dealt with this problem in the VC industry. It's been going on awhile and is certainly not limited to Caldbeck.

monicaxie 9y ago

I met Justin Calback one week before the news exploded. I was so shocked, even though I have not (yet?) had awkward experience with Justin (he has actually has been pretty helpful). Throughout my work on both sides of the table, I’ve been lucky to have met many very helpful and respected mentors/peers, however, this “risk of networking for female” has never been strange. It started with this: I reached out to someone for advice/business, meetings went great and constructive, a couple of emails and coffee, before I got excited about having a great connection, they may ask for a drink. At first, I was confused but agreed, wondering if this is the “valley/American culture” that I should get used to, then things unexpectedly turned awkward even if I tried to keep the conversations professional. Eventually, I don’t know how to maintain this connection. Now that I’ve learned to “keep things professional”, but compared to my male friends’ networking experience, I still haven’t figured out the best boundary to set. Does “being professional” mean that I can’t have personal talks with male professionals? If a guy can be both professional connection and personal friend with another guy, why can’t I? I thought that only Asian people mix business and personal connections (given how popular wechat has been used as a “virtual business card” in China), turns out that in US, it’s not that different: you see male investors get drinks to catch up or meet new friends, afterwards they become good business partners. I believe this is not the first time a female talk about this. Many people’s reaction may be: oh she must have given some hint that caused misunderstanding, or, when a guy does that, just stay away from him. Hey, what if an attractive lady got into this uncomfortable situation from 1/3 of her networking? I’m not here to complain. I’m sincerely hoping to hear some advice on how to best handle this networking difficulty, because as far as I know, I’m not alone.