silicon valley

Venture capitalist writes horrible email in wake of sexual assault scandal

Jonathan Teo of Binary Capital is not pleased with the coverage his firm is getting.

silicon valley

silicon valley

Venture capitalist writes horrible email in wake of sexual assault scandal

Jonathan Teo of Binary Capital is not pleased with the coverage his firm is getting.

Jonathan Teo, the co-founder and managing partner of Silicon Valley venture capital firm Binary Capital, slammed the “corrupted” media just two weeks after his partner Justin Caldbeck resigned over sexual harassment allegations, according to emails obtained by Axios.

Six women claimed Caldbeck sexually harassed them, which Caldbeck initially denied but later apologized for. Teo earlier appeared to support the women, writing that Caldbeck’s “predatory behavior” was “deplorable.” But now it seems the controversy, which could be the end of his firm, has him pointing fingers at others in addition to his former partner.

In a 1,300-word email sent to the CEOs of companies in Binary’s portfolio, Teo tried to reassure that Binary was still operational, but in a newly limited capacity. “What I think is that we are an industry full of entitled human beings. Particular to silicon valley but not exclusive to it,” he wrote. “To these whiners who want me to constantly address their questions preemptively, I say that we all have priorities. Even I do. I spend my time working through those priorities.” Teo resisted calls to hire a woman as Caldbeck’s replacement, saying “we must choose the best person, male or female. But that net must be cast wide.”

“Media has been corrupted,” he wrote. “The voice of many have been diluted by the agendas of a few,” and goes on to bemoan the leaks about Binary Capital showing up in the press.

“This situation has ripped apart something I have built with an intention to bring good into the world,” Two said. “I let it get ruined because of poor choices in people. I regret that and won't forget that lesson.”