Goldman Sachs-backed Startup Slync CEO Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison: What You Need to Know

Money | July 12, 2024, 2:13 a.m.

Former Slync CEO, Chris Kirchner, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraud, following a flashy rise and fall that saw him squander millions raised from investors on personal indulgences like a private jet and luxury cars. Kirchner, who misled his board on revenue figures and fired executives who questioned him, was also ordered to pay $65 million in restitution. Despite raising over $80 million for Slync to revolutionize logistics software, Kirchner's deception led to the company's eventual collapse, despite an additional $24 million investment from Goldman Sachs. This sentencing serves as a severe warning to tech founders engaging in fraudulent activities, with Kirchner's punishment among the harshest in recent memory. Kirchner's story is a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition leading to downfall and legal retribution, showcasing the consequences of financial deceit in the tech industry.