Blackbird examining 'very serious' Dovetail harassment allegations
One of Dovetail's most significant investors is "considering" disputed allegations against the co-founder of a portfolio company "with the seriousness they deserve".
Venture capital firm Blackbird is seriously reviewing sexual harassment allegations levelled at the CEO and co-founder of one of its most hyped portfolio companies, Dovetail, after details of a court dispute involving the executive and a senior employee were made public.
Legal documents filed in the Federal Court of Australia in October, but made available this week, reveal that Bethany Lo Russo, Dovetail's legal counsel, has accused co-founder Benjamin Humphrey of engaging in "a pernicious and relentless pursuit" of her involving unwelcome sexual advances and conduct during her employment at the company. Humphrey and Dovetail strongly deny the claims.
In a statement on Thursday, Blackbird, one of Dovetail's largest investors, said it was reviewing the "very serious" complaint and offered support to the complainant. It also noted that Dovetail and Humphrey dispute the claims.
"The claim raises allegations of a very serious nature and they are highly disputed by Dovetail. Having only recently learnt of the specific allegations we are considering them with the seriousness they deserve, noting that as this matter is currently before the courts it's important to not prejudice that process," Blackbird said in its statement.
