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The affidavit of a Rippling employee caught spying for Deel reads like a movie
Apr 4, 2025
Explore the gripping tale of corporate espionage involving Rippling and Deel. A former employee of Rippling spills the beans on his undercover spy mission for the rival firm. The podcast dives into the legal drama and personal turmoil that ensued, showcasing the high stakes of corporate rivalries. Intriguing discussions reveal how far one might go in the name of competition, making it a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the darker side of business.
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Quick takeaways
- Rippling exposed corporate espionage when a former employee revealed being paid by Deel to gather confidential information.
- The case highlights the ethical concerns in startup competition, as industry peers express support for Rippling against Deel's alleged practices.
Deep dives
Corporate Espionage Allegations
Rippling has filed a lawsuit against competitor Deal, accusing them of corporate espionage after a Rippling employee testified about being hired to spy for Deal. The employee, Keith O'Brien, detailed his interactions with Deal's founder, who allegedly offered him €5,000 per month to gather confidential information from Rippling. Throughout the spying operation that lasted four months, O'Brien provided insights on sales leads, customer accounts, and product roadmaps, believing he was executing thorough evidence management. However, his efforts to erase his digital tracks were futile, as some evidence was automatically backed up to his iCloud account, leading to his eventual exposure.
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