Silicon Valley VC Shervin Pishevar Takes Leave From His Companies After Misconduct Claims

Prominent Silicon Valley investor Shervin Pishevar, who has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, said he’s taking a leave of absence from his duties at his venture capital firm Sherpa Capital and transportation startup Virgin Hyperloop One.

Pishevar, known for an early investment in Uber Technologies Inc., said he’s taking time off to pursue a legal case against people who he says have embarked on a smear campaign against him. Last month, he sued a corporate research firm founded by Republican campaign veterans, claiming it was trying to spread false allegations about him. The firm, Definers Public Affairs, denied the allegations and said it had never done work regarding Pishevar.