TLDR:
– Greg Warnock, a founding father of Utah’s VC industry, steps back after sexual harassment claims surface.
– Accusations reveal unwanted touching from female employees at Mercato Partners, raising questions about workplace conduct.
A recent investigation by Business Insider uncovered claims from several women that Greg Warnock, a well-known venture capitalist in Utah, engaged in inappropriate behavior with female employees at Mercato Partners. The accusations include unwanted touching and uncomfortable interactions during work-related trips and meetings. Warnock, who played a significant role in the Utah tech scene, has agreed to step back from day-to-day management of the firm, focusing instead on growth investing and working with portfolio companies.
The allegations have sparked a #MeToo reckoning in Silicon Slopes, Utah’s tech hub, shedding light on gender disparities and a culture of harassment and discrimination against women in the industry. While some employees have defended Warnock’s conduct as friendly and professional, others have voiced concerns about his behavior and its impact on workplace dynamics. The ongoing investigation and changes at Mercato Partners reflect growing awareness and efforts to address workplace misconduct in the venture capital sector.
