PORTLAND (AP) — A prominent Maine startup advocate has resigned from his post at a business accelerator after admitting he acted inappropriately toward two female colleagues.
Venture Hall co-founder and president Jess Knox confirmed the accusations of sexual misconduct Tuesday in an email with the Portland Press Herald. Knox described a situation where he sent an inappropriate text message and another occasion where he made a peer feel uncomfortable during a business trip. Knox apologized and said he regretted his actions.
Knox founded Venture Hall with Mike Sobol in 2016.
Venture Hall announced Monday it was stopping operations following Knox’s resignation. Venture Hall’s $475,000 entrepreneurship grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has also been cancelled.
Maine Technology Institute says it won’t work with Knox or his consulting firm, Olympico Strategies.
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