AI Startup Corgi Halts Cafe Expansion Amid Executive's Viral Dating Post
The company has reportedly fired two employees involved in the cafe initiative following backlash from an executive's social media post detailing stringent dating requirements.
San Francisco-based AI insurance startup Corgi has reportedly paused its ambitious plans to open 100 24/7 cafes. This decision comes days after one of its executives, Brooke LeBlanc, garnered widespread attention for a social media post outlining a detailed list of demands for a future husband. The startup has also removed Trevor Owens, its head of cafe expansion, and another individual from their roles, according to an email obtained by the San Francisco Business Times.
Corgi had envisioned the cafes as a unique marketing strategy, aiming to create gathering spaces for tech founders, venture capitalists, and startup employees who often work demanding schedules. The company, valued at $4 billion amidst a local artificial intelligence boom, had reportedly approved lease signings for 16 San Francisco cafes just weeks prior.
Adding to the challenges, one of Corgi's existing San Francisco cafes was temporarily shut down by the Department of Public Health due to a lack of a valid health permit. Online reviews for the cafe cited issues such as a "smelly" environment, malfunctioning doors, and bathroom problems. A Corgi spokesperson attributed the permit issue to an "administrative problem."
The controversy surrounding the cafe expansion intensified after Brooke LeBlanc, identified as Corgi's "head of community," posted her extensive list of dating non-negotiables on X. The requirements included a partner aged 35-42, described as "healthy masculine," intelligent, humorous, lighthearted, and possessing a "provider/protector mentality." She also specified a desire for someone who is "post economic (still hardworking)," kind, generous, thoughtful, wants children but has none, is "on the healing path," enjoys therapy and retreats, and is both fit and sober. LeBlanc later claimed to have found five potential matches who met her criteria.
Following the backlash, LeBlanc deleted her X account, but Corgi confirmed she remains employed by the company. In an email to Corgi's retail leasing adviser, Newmark Group, Owens expressed regret for the disruption caused by the change in direction.
"Throughout this process, I communicated and worked toward the plans leadership gave me," Owens wrote. "You acted in good faith based on the information and direction we shared, and I regret the disruption these changes have caused. This is not the experience I intended for our partners."
Owens' email further indicated that while Corgi leadership had consistently pushed for the 100-cafe goal, the company had recently placed a pause on new signings. Despite this, he was still asked to advance leasing discussions. He stated that up until three days before his termination, the company expressed a desire to open more cafes.
Corgi, co-founded by Nico Laqua and Emily Yuan, has secured over $430 million in funding, achieving a $4 billion valuation, according to Forbes. The company's strategy of integrating cafes into its business model was seen as an unconventional approach to building brand visibility and community engagement.