A private document reportedly lists “over a hundred” alleged sexual predators in Silicon Valley, featuring names of “prominent investors and businessmen,” according to sources who spoke with The Post.
An emerging tech employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed her disbelief upon seeing the names listed—many of whom she recognized as notable figures in the investment community. “It was shocking,” she said. “Some of them were, you know, well-known investors and businessmen I had seen at functions before.”
The secretive list reportedly acts as a cautionary measure, with multiple insiders noting it includes claims of drugging, sexual assaults, and rapes involving individuals linked to major tech and AI companies. However, the validity of these claims can be challenging to confirm.
The young woman who contributed her experience to the list said she was invited to do so after sharing her own ordeal with others. “I met some women who were part of this ‘whisper network’—there are hundreds of cases,” she informed The Post. “I found out about it just by asking around.”
Many women in the area worry about seeking police assistance for assaults committed by powerful figures, fearing retaliation that could jeopardize their careers. “I was afraid that if I pursued justice and didn’t succeed, I’d be blacklisted by every investor in the area,” she admitted.
Reports shared with The Post describe troubling events occurring in “hacker houses,” communal living spaces where people often network and collaborate on investments. This overlap can blur boundaries and create uncomfortable situations.
Another insider talked about predatory behaviors, where some men use friendship as a guise to learn vulnerabilities and cross lines. They specifically target individuals who seem isolated or vulnerable, often younger girls or newcomers to the area hoping to gain a foothold in the industry.
Conversely, some predators might pursue successful women they view as “trophies.” “For them, going after the most accomplished feels like a conquest,” the insider added.
Yehong Zhu, a resident of several hacker houses, also disclosed that she was a victim of rape, with the assailant being someone she considered a friend. She filed a police report in December 2021 against a former member of the Genesis hacker house for rape and assault.
Zhu, who developed the app Zette, recounted that following the alleged incident, her accuser fled and remains unlocated despite connections with mutual friends. “I kept saying no to him,” she recounted.
After the incident, Zhu faced pressure from a female friend concerned about the potential fallout for the accused, and a house organizer discouraged her from reporting it to the authorities. Instead, they suggested setting up a committee and a vote regarding the man’s continued presence in their living space.
Eventually, she turned to police and sought legal advice, and while trying to reach out to those who knew her alleged attacker, many chose not to respond. “We had done business together,” she noted about their shared connections.
A lawyer representing Genesis’ founder Jeremy Nixon stated that Nixon was not familiar with the specific details regarding Zhu’s case but emphasized that he would support any legal action that prioritizes safety.
A separate account from an anonymous individual residing in another San Francisco “community house” detailed an incident involving date rape. This person claims she was unknowingly given ketamine during an encounter, despite expressing her lack of interest in sex.
Upon reporting the incident to a house manager, she felt her experience was downplayed, and instead of addressing the situation appropriately, she was encouraged to have a mediated discussion, ultimately leading to her being asked to leave the house while the alleged perpetrator remained.
A former resident of Launch House, another communal tech living space, described a contrasting experience when several women approached founders for assistance after suspecting they’d been drugged at an event. Suspicion led to immediate action: the accused individual was expelled from the residence.
The co-founders communicated with the women, changed security measures, and offered help contacting the police. However, despite feeling secure afterward, the assailant continued to target her online.
“If I achieve any sort of public success, I fear he’ll resurface and make me feel worse,” she expressed.
Goldstein, a co-founder of Launch House, indicated that the organization has since altered its operations and developed conduct policies in response to concerns about safety. “It’s crucial for anyone managing a communal environment to continually work on enhancing safety,” he said.
The issues surrounding these living arrangements are not new, and warnings have circulated for years regarding potential risks. For instance, in 2022, AI researcher Keerthana Gopalakrishnan highlighted concerns about sexual pressure within Effective Altruism circles.
Zhu hopes that by sharing her story, more women will find the courage to come forward and avoid similar experiences. She wants to be recognized for her work, beyond this troubling aspect of her past. “I have so many aspirations,” she remarked. “I don’t want this to be the main thing associated with my name.”
