Ever hear of Dave McClure? He helped found 500 Startups‘; he also has close ties to PayPal and Google leaders. But now, scandal follows him. That’s because of the less pleasing aspects of humanity: unwanted sexual advancements in the workplace. However, this tech venture capitalist apologizes for advances.
In a long writing, McClure admitted he made advancements toward many women in the workplace. He also admits these kind of behavior was wrong. McClure also said he used his power and influence to try to get these women. He says, “I put people in compromising…situations. My behavior was inexcusable and wrong”.
McClure’s actions may costed him a leadership role in the very company he founded. Because in that statement, he said he didn’t change his behavior until he was forced to. That sounds like a major hint to me. However, he confessed his behavior to Christine Tsai. She’s the new CEO of 500 Startups. But this is intriguing. He didn’t exactly thank Christine Tsai…but said he needed this ‘butt kicking’. However, McClure is no longer the CEO of 500 Startups. Tsai is. However, he still talks with with the team. The talks are about what future role McClure will have with 500 Startups’, or if he’ll have one at all.
If you want to read how this tech venture capitalist apologizes yourself, I better warn you. The language is very graphic, and not for suitable reading for children or anyone who hates foul language. So my first question is: Why did he decide to apologize using such language? It seems to me if you’re going to apologize, then have some dignity and class about it. Don’t let your apology be laced with a bunch of ‘f’ words and ‘s’ words. It doesn’t sound valid. And it doesn’t sound sincere. Nevertheless, everyone in tech, from computer repair to IT support, can learn a lesson here. This isn’t the Mad Men era! You can’t keep hitting on your fellow employees in the workplace and not expect some bad consequences. Keep in mind McClure is a married man! How does Mrs McClure feel about her husband’s behavior?