Archive — US — techcrunch
Deel’s comms chief departs amidst spying lawsuit from Rippling
Elisabeth Diana has resigned as head of communications at Deel, coinciding with a lawsuit from rival Rippling accusing Deel of corporate espionage. The lawsuit involves serious allegations, including violation of the RICO Act, aimed at questioning Deel's practices as it seeks public market entry amidst uncertain future prospects and an ongoing valuation of $12.6 billion.
Key points
- Elisabeth Diana left her role at Deel, confirmed by her LinkedIn profile.
- Diana joined Deel in November 2021 and departed in April 2025.
- Rippling sued Deel on March 17, 2025, accusing it of spying and various legal violations, including the RICO Act.
- Keith O’Brien, an employee from Rippling, confirmed accusations in a sworn affidavit.
- Deel, valued at $12.6 billion, denies wrongdoing and claims Rippling is diverting attention from its own legal issues.
Why it matters
- The case highlights ongoing corporate espionage concerns and legal battles in tech.
- The lawsuit's serious legal claims mirror broader patterns of scrutiny within the startup industry.
- By 2025, espionage allegations are increasingly influencing how tech companies guard trade secrets, reflected in legal frameworks and industry practices.
The departure of Elisabeth Diana amidst a contentious lawsuit signifies a turbulent period for Deel, complicating its aspirations for market expansion while facing serious allegations that could impact its reputation and business trajectory.