Usually, the winners of a pitching competition are bathed with accolades, media attention, and applause.
Not only are the founders Russian passport holders, but its also recruiting tech workers to move to Moscow.
In response to pressure, Slush rescinded the award.
But, yes, VCs may still decide to invest in Immigram.
At the time of writing, investors on the judging panel have been silent.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
But lets take a step back.
Who is Immigram?
10% of their clients have been Russians.
you’re free to check out their winning pitchhere.
What has been the response to the victory?
Should a company be held accountable for the views of its clients when it puts them forward as talent?
Uncomfortable conversations are necessary
Theres a lot you could say about this situation.
According to her, this followed the repression and detainment of close friends by the government.
That is very wrong.
This is a situation where a lot of people are in the wrong.
Immigram came top because the uncomfortable truth is that investors are only involved because they want to make money.
And lets face it: the companys product is not exactly humanitarian aid.
Yes, there is a massive grey area here.
Should we hold citizens accountable for the actions of their governments?
Is as TechCrunch pointed out in the past hiring workers from Russia actually damaging the Kremlin?
Should funds invest in countries engaged in warfare?
The selection criteria and what constitutes links to a power like Russia are of the utmost importance.
And, in that, Slush failed.
Lets hope that the startup world takes note and stops travesties like this from happening again.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
