A Founder Tried to Pitch – and Got a Restraining Order

(trellis.law)

12 points | by elonmm 2 hours ago

9 comments

  • DannyBee 1 hour ago
    To access the actual docs, go here:

    https://web.sanmateocourt.org/midx/

    Search for 26-CIV-00518

    Deep link to the petition/complaint PDF: https://tinyurl.com/32xj5djy

    (The details are the last page)

    The respondent did not show up to the hearing. They also did not show up to the gun relinquishment hearing, where it was noted they have approached another VC firm with a firearm before being apprehended by the police. The san mateo prosecutor's office was notified of non-compliance.

    This seems unlikely to have any sort of happy ending.

    • jacquesm 1 hour ago
      Thanks, that's a much better link. That original submitted link is garbage.
    • elonmm 1 hour ago
      The claim that he approached another VC firm is incorrect.

      He was invited to the location via text message, where the founder encouraged him to apply and be accepted into their accelerator program. Upon arrival, the situation became uncomfortable, with individuals attempting to intimidate and surround him.

      There is a growing concern among founders about how ideas are handled in these environments, and situations like this only reinforce those concerns.

      It’s important not to misrepresent what actually happened.

    • IAmBroom 1 hour ago
      "Approached with a firearm" is wildly different from "tried to pitch". This is a ridiculously slanted headline.
      • elonmm 1 hour ago
        It seems like some people are trying to portray him as something he’s not.

        He has been focused on building startups since arriving in Silicon Valley and has created multiple products over the years. That track record speaks more clearly than speculative claims.

    • aduwah 1 hour ago
      Can't wait for his LinkedIn post.
    • elonmm 1 hour ago
      [dead]
  • justonceokay 1 hour ago
    I’ve been on this earth for a few days. Something tells me there is probably a better word than “founder” that could be used to describe this guy if legal action is being taken against him
  • kleiba 1 hour ago
    Not enough information here to make informed comments.
    • yowlingcat 1 hour ago
      Agreed. I will say that poking around a bit more on that site it looks like a temporary restraining order involving the same parties was granted, so perhaps there's some more history to this dispute than just what is visible on said link.
      • IAmBroom 1 hour ago
        If your workplace takes legal action against you, there is more history.
  • opengrass 14 minutes ago
    Founders are the new shopping mall pickup artists.
  • elonmm 1 hour ago
    From what I understand, no firearm was involved in this situation. When the individual arrived, he asked to pitch, and shortly after, staff/security asked him to leave.

    The founder shared his story and recorded video at the time. This founder has also built a 3D printer and developed several other projects.

    There may be additional context from law enforcement as well, but it’s important to rely on verified information rather than assumptions.

  • welcome_dragon 1 hour ago
    The only useful bit I can get from that incredibly ugly/spammy site is that the restraining order referenced "workplace violence"
  • ruined 1 hour ago
    any chance you've got a link with, like, stuff in it?
  • IAmBroom 1 hour ago
    Interesting that OP's only other submission is identical, with a post assuring us "this is a truth".

    Dulat, is that you?

  • CodingJeebus 1 hour ago
    Looks like this guy tried to brandish a firearm while attempting to meet with the plaintiff, a restraining order seems very reasonable given the circumstances.
    • elonmm 56 minutes ago
      The location in question has full camera surveillance, which clearly shows what actually happened. There was no firearm involved.
    • elonmm 59 minutes ago
      [dead]