Kate Lowry, a former vice president at Insight Partners, filed a lawsuit against the venture capital firm on December 30 in San Mateo County, California, alleging disability discrimination, gender discrimination, and wrongful termination. The suit, which TechCrunch reviewed, claims that Lowry experienced a hostile work environment and unfair treatment during her tenure at the company, which began in 2022.
Lowry stated that she initiated the legal action because she believes that some powerful figures in the venture capital industry operate with impunity, systematically underpaying and mistreating their employees. "It's an oppressive system that reflects broader trends in society that use fear, intimidation, and power to silence and isolate truth. I'm trying to change that," Lowry told TechCrunch.
The lawsuit details that upon her hiring, Lowry was assigned to a different supervisor than the one she had met during the interview process. According to the suit, this new supervisor, a woman, allegedly instructed Lowry to be constantly available online, even during paid time off, holidays, and weekends, and to respond to communications between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. The suit further alleges that this initial supervisor created an unsustainable and discriminatory work environment.
Insight Partners, a global venture capital and private equity firm, focuses on investing in high-growth technology, software, and internet businesses. The firm has backed companies across various sectors, providing capital and strategic support to help them scale and expand their market presence. Insight Partners did not immediately respond to TechCrunch's request for comment regarding the lawsuit's allegations.
Lowry's professional background includes prior roles at Meta, McKinsey Company, and an early-stage startup, providing her with experience across different organizational structures and industries. The lawsuit's claims of discrimination and wrongful termination raise questions about workplace practices within the venture capital sector and the broader tech industry.
The case is now proceeding in the San Mateo County Superior Court. The next steps will likely involve Insight Partners filing a response to the lawsuit, followed by discovery and potential settlement negotiations. The outcome of the case could have implications for employment practices and legal standards within the venture capital industry, particularly regarding expectations around work-life balance and employee treatment.
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