Tech Startup Founder Accused of Swindling Investors

Joanna Smith-Griffin, the brains behind AI startup AllHere Education and a former Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, is in hot water. The FBI just unveiled an indictment accusing her of lying to investors to steal nearly $10 million. From November 2020 to June 2024, Smith-Griffin allegedly fibbed about her company's revenue, customer base, and cash. The company, now bankrupt, allegedly duped investors into believing everything was rosy. Smith-Griffin could face a hefty prison sentence if found guilty. Securities fraud and wire fraud each carry a maximum 20-year penalty, while aggravated identity theft has a mandatory two-year sentence. Smith-Griffin remains unreachable for comment. The Forbes 30 Under 30 list has been the subject of mockery in recent years, with several alumni falling from grace after fraud charges. Notable past examples include FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried and Alameda Research's Caroline Ellison, as well as Frank fintech founder Charlie Javice and the infamous "Pharma bro" Martin Shkreli.