Steve Jurvetson, a venture capital investor and Tesla and SpaceX board member, is leaving his VC firm Draper Fisher Jurveston after an investigation into sexual harassment allegations. Jurvetson was also put on leave from his board positions at both Tesla and SpaceX.
Statement from DFJ:
“As of today and by mutual agreement, Steve Jurvetson will be leaving DFJ. DFJ’s culture has been, and will continue to be, built on the values of respect and integrity in all of our interactions. We are focused on the success of our portfolio companies, as well as the long-term vision for the firm and will continue to operate with the highest professional standards.”
Jurvetson via Twitter:
“I am leaving DFJ to focus on personal matters, including taking legal action against those whose false statements have defamed me.”
DFJ’s investigation was prompted by a blog post from Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Keri Kukral that said “Women approached by founding partners of Draper Fisher Jurvetson should be careful. Predatory behavior is rampant.” She did not name any individuals.
Jurvetson famously owns the first Founder’s Series Model S off the assembly line. In an interview, Jurvetson said he spotted details for the Model S and immediately placed an order.
“The policy was that only after the car was officially on sale and the price had been set could anybody reserve a Model S. They were about to open the meeting, so without saying a word I whip out my wallet, where I always keep one check, fill it out for the full price of the car, and then toss it across the table. Everyone was stunned.”
Statement from DFJ:
“As of today and by mutual agreement, Steve Jurvetson will be leaving DFJ. DFJ’s culture has been, and will continue to be, built on the values of respect and integrity in all of our interactions. We are focused on the success of our portfolio companies, as well as the long-term vision for the firm and will continue to operate with the highest professional standards.”
Jurvetson via Twitter:
“I am leaving DFJ to focus on personal matters, including taking legal action against those whose false statements have defamed me.”
DFJ’s investigation was prompted by a blog post from Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Keri Kukral that said “Women approached by founding partners of Draper Fisher Jurvetson should be careful. Predatory behavior is rampant.” She did not name any individuals.
Jurvetson famously owns the first Founder’s Series Model S off the assembly line. In an interview, Jurvetson said he spotted details for the Model S and immediately placed an order.
“The policy was that only after the car was officially on sale and the price had been set could anybody reserve a Model S. They were about to open the meeting, so without saying a word I whip out my wallet, where I always keep one check, fill it out for the full price of the car, and then toss it across the table. Everyone was stunned.”
Last edited by a moderator: