War has broken out in the Skully debacle, with a personal assistant of the company’s founders taking court action alleging the brothers misused investors’ funds.
Skully was a California-based crowdfunded project to build a hi-tech “augmented reality” motorcycle helmet. Pre-orders from the public for the AR-1 raised approaching £2million on Indiegogo in November 2014. Publicity material claimed the helmet would feature a heads-up display and a 180-degree rear-view camera but delivery promises were repeatedly broken.
As we reported in the August issue of BDN, the San Francisco start-up ousted its founder and CEO Marcus Weller and his brother Mitch. Shortly afterwards, it was reported the company had closed down and filed for bankruptcy.
Now, a lawsuit filed by a former Skully employee alleges misuse of company funds.
Cycle World magazine is reporting it was sent a copy of the lawsuit, which alleges misappropriations of funds.
The complaint, lodged through the San Francisco County Superior Court, outlines the former employee’s role with the company; ways in which she was allegedly treated unfairly; ways that Mitch and Marcus Weller allegedly abused access and control over company funds; and then ways in which the plaintiff attempted to notify others of the Wellers’ actions and their alleged retaliations.
The Wellers say the suit means they are unable to comment but deny the allegations and plan vigorously to defend themselves.
Among the allegations are:
- taking a personal trip to Southern California and renting a Lamborghini on the company card
- purchasing an Audi R8 using company funds
- purchasing four motorcycles using company funds, two of which were only for personal use
- purchasing Dodge Viper using company funds
- taking several trips to Hawaii using company funds, renting limos, going to strip clubs