HR technology startup Rippling is intensifying its legal battle against competitor Deel. With efforts to serve legal papers to Deel’s CEO, Alex Bouaziz, facing significant hurdles. Despite hiring French bailiffs, Rippling has been unable to locate Bouaziz at his listed Paris address. Complicating proceedings in a lawsuit filed in Ireland. Bouaziz, known for his nomadic lifestyle, lists his location as Tel Aviv on LinkedIn and New York on X. Rippling may need to seek alternative methods, such as email, to serve him.
The lawsuit centers around allegations that Deel engaged in corporate espionage by recruiting Rippling’s former employee, Keith O’Brien, to spy on the company. O’Brien admitted in a sworn affidavit to receiving approximately €5,000 per month from Deel to access and share confidential information, including sales leads and pricing strategies. He utilized encrypted messaging apps and was instructed to use code words and delete messages to avoid detection. Payments were sometimes made using cryptocurrency to obscure the trail.
Rippling’s lawsuit also implicates other Deel executives, including Bouaziz’s father, Philippe Bouaziz, alleging they facilitated the espionage activities. Deel has denied all allegations and plans to counter-sue, asserting that Rippling’s claims are unfounded.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the intense competition and complex dynamics within the HR technology industry.
