tech
An AI startup's tattoo-for-an-interview stunt set off a Silicon Valley backlash. Now the founder is apologizing.
Jordan Zietz, the founder of LemonLime, an AI startup, is apologizing after he offered job interviews to anyone at a party who got a company tattoo.
TL;DR
- LemonLime founder Jordan Zietz offered job interviews to people who got tattoos of the company logo at a party.
- The offer, promoted on social media, was criticized as "Orwellian" and "dystopian."
- Dimple Amitha Garuadapuri, one of the individuals who got a tattoo, stated her image was used without consent.
- Zietz has issued multiple apologies, admitting to "reckless" and "poorly exercised judgment."
- The startup, which has five employees, was part of Y Combinator's Summer 2026 batch.
- The event also offered a skydiving trip to those who posted the most-liked LinkedIn content about LemonLime.