Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Ego Co-founder's Departure Sparks Controversy Amid Partner's Recovery
Two friends started a company.
One was badly hurt in an attack.
Months later, the other friend, Peggy, left the company to start her own.
She said they had different ideas about the future.
This caused a lot of online criticism, with people saying she abandoned her partner, Vishnu, when he was vulnerable.
He suffered a traumatic brain injury, vision and hearing loss in the attack.
The situation triggered an online debate about loyalty and business ethics.
Y Combinator's CEO defended Wang, but Hari signed a non-disparagement clause when she departed.
Ego co-founder Peggy Wang left the company after co-founder Vishnu Hari was brutally assaulted.
The assault caused Hari a traumatic brain injury, vision and hearing loss.
Wang announced her departure on September 26, 2025, after Hari’s recovery.
Wang stated she left due to differing visions for the company.
Online criticism accused Wang of abandoning Hari during his recovery.
- Who
- Peggy Wang and Vishnu Hari, co-founders of Ego
- What
- Peggy Wang left Ego after co-founder Vishnu Hari was assaulted
- When
- Wang departed 'a couple of months' after Hari's assault on January 18, 2025
- Where
- Silicon Valley; San Francisco (where the assault occurred)
- Why
- Wang cited differing visions for leaving; critics claim she abandoned Hari
Critics' View
Wang & Supporters' View
Departure Timing
Critics' View
Wang abandoned Hari during his recovery.
Wang & Supporters' View
Wang left due to differing visions, unrelated to the assault.
Impact on Hari
Critics' View
Wang's departure negatively impacted Hari and his recovery.
Wang & Supporters' View
Wang's departure was necessary for her vision for her own career.
Loyalty vs. Business
Critics' View
Wang prioritized her own interests over loyalty to her co-founder.
Wang & Supporters' View
Wang was acting in her own best interests and in line with her own vision for the future.
- Company
- Ego (AI simulation platform)
- Co-founders
- Peggy Wang, Vishnu Hari
- Event
- Wang's departure after Hari's assault
- Hari's Injuries
- Traumatic brain injury, partial blindness, hearing loss
- Backing
- Y Combinator
- Wang's New Venture
- Consumer AI startup (Y Combinator F25 batch)