Prominent Utah Venture Capital Pioneer Steps Down Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Money | July 17, 2024, 7:14 a.m.

After feigning sleep, Elizabeth Moore found herself in a compromising situation on a houseboat with her boss, Mercato Partners cofounder Greg Warnock. Warnock made Moore uncomfortable, touching her inappropriately and crossing personal boundaries. This incident is part of a pattern of misconduct by Warnock, as multiple women have also reported feeling uncomfortable due to unwanted touching. Despite settlements and dismissals of complaints, accusations of harassment continue to follow Warnock. The tech hub in Utah's Silicon Slopes faces its own #MeToo reckoning, with a history of harassment and discrimination against women. Warnock, though not widely known, has a significant presence in the tech scene and has raised over $1 billion for startups. However, his behavior with female employees has raised serious concerns, leading to a changing of the guard at Mercato Partners. As Warnock transitions away from day-to-day operations, the firm is reshaping its investment strategies.