Silicon Valley Health-Tech Startup CEO Ousted over ‘Toxicity’

Ron Gutman, the co-founder and CEO of Silicon Valley health-tech startup HealthTap, has been ousted from the company after the board of directors alleged “toxicity” in the workplace.

Gutman allegedly “committed acts of intimidation, abuse, and mistrust,” and “repeatedly mistreated, threatened, harassed and verbally abused employees,” according to Recode.

“This leaves us with no choice but to fire you,” declared a leaked letter sent to Gutman. “The toxicity you introduced into the workplace ends now.”

In a memo to employees, the board further claimed, “What we learned left us with no choice but to make this change, and we did so after taking the necessary steps from a corporate governance perspective.”

Gutman, however, has denied the allegations, responding, “The actions of the VCs are harmful to the Company and in violation of their duties. I will not stand for their effort to take control of the Company unfairly and to the detriment of the Company.”

“I will continue to fight for HealthTap and for all of our employees, our customers and our users all over the world,” he proclaimed. “My team and I remain committed to saving lives and help people live healthier happier longer lives.”