Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Jordan Zietz, CEO of LemonLime, a Y Combinator-backed AI automation company, offered instant interviews to people who got company tattoos at a recent event. Seven people took him up on the offer, but the move was met with criticism, with many saying it was extreme and exploitative. Zietz later apologized and took down the original post, saying the stunt was “poorly exercised judgement” and that he got “carried away.”
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
LemonLime’s CEO Jordan Zietz offered tattoos as a way to meet “exceptional people” and find those “just as crazy” as the company. The stunt backfired, with many calling it extreme and exploitative. Zietz apologized, saying he got “carried away.” The company will cover removal costs for those who got tattoos.
The announcement sounds familiar. A startup’s attempt to stand out in a competitive market ends in controversy. The company’s apology and offer to cover removal costs may be too little, too late.
Author: Evan Null
