Former Hack VC partner and platform lead Hsin-Ju said in a public statement that she has decided to reject a settlement agreement requiring silence, saying she would rather accept $0 in compensation. She also said she has dismissed her lawyers and plans to publish all evidence from her time at Hack VC on Aug. 26.
Hsin-Ju said she has spent nine years working in the crypto industry and previously worked at Stellar, Solana, and Fhenix. She said that during her time at Hack VC last year, she repeatedly asked to leave because of serious medical emergencies, including Graves' disease, hyperthyroidism, and severe insomnia. According to her account, partners told her that if she left before related meetings were completed, she would be blacklisted from the industry. She said she was then forced to continue working under extreme strain, which ultimately led to a suicide attempt.
She also said that after the suicide attempt, she stated in writing that she did not intend to sue and only wanted to leave without retaliation. But she claimed Hack VC later had problems handling her COBRA health insurance for nearly four months, and the issue was not resolved until lawyers became involved. She added that during the legal process, the other side continued trying to harm her interests through lawyers and employees.
Hsin-Ju said lawyers for both sides are now prepared for private mediation and settlement, but she does not want money in exchange for silence and has chosen to speak publicly instead. She added that she performed well while at the firm, received a raise and bonus, and that the lawsuit is not about money. She also said she understands there could be consequences in taking on an institution she described as being worth $600 million to $700 million.
Hack VC said it is aware of the former employee's post and is deeply concerned about her health condition. The firm added that there are major differences in how the two sides understand the matter and said it does not want to discuss details publicly at this time out of respect for her privacy.