Topline E101: Why Rippling and Deel Are a Warning to Every Tech Company
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Mar 25, 2025 Dive into the wild rivalry between HR tech giants Rippling and Deel, where corporate espionage allegations and legal drama take center stage. Discover the bizarre tactics employed in this competitive landscape, like honeypots and toilet phones. The discussion also sheds light on ethical dilemmas in tech, the impact of aggressive hiring practices, and the transformation of employees into millionaires through significant acquisitions. Amidst all the chaos, the importance of integrity and community insights comes through loud and clear.
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Rippling vs. Deel Espionage
- Rippling accused Deel of corporate espionage, alleging a spy within their organization leaked sales intelligence.
- The alleged spy's actions reportedly helped Deel prevent customer churn and win competitive deals against Rippling.
The Honeypot and the Toilet Phone
- Rippling discovered the alleged spy through a "honeypot trap" after noticing suspicious activity, including frequent searches for "deal" on Slack.
- The alleged spy attempted to flush his phone down the toilet when confronted.
From Competition to Espionage
- Healthy competition can sometimes escalate into corporate espionage.
- It's important to understand how and why this transition occurs.
