‘How’s this joker got my details?’: BrewDog founder faces complaints over emails to ‘equity punks’
BrewDog founder James Watt is facing complaints to the UK's data privacy watchdog over his use of shareholder contact details for a new business venture. Former investors are questioning how Watt obtained their personal data after his previous company was sold and their shares rendered worthless.
Why it matters
This case highlights potential GDPR violations and the ethical responsibilities of founders regarding the use of personal data after a company's ownership changes.
James Watt, the founder of BrewDog, contacted thousands of shareholders. James Watt, the founder of BrewDog, contacted thousands of shareholders. BrewDog ‘How’s this joker got my details?’: BrewDog founder faces complaints over emails to ‘equity punks’ Exclusive: Watchdog asked to look into how James Watt got data of ex-crowdfunders he invited to join buy-back bid
Prefer the Guardian on Google James Watt, the BrewDog founder who sold the debt-laden “punk” brewer earlier this year , is the subject of complaints to the UK’s data privacy watchdog linked to his surprise bid to buy the company back, the Guardian has learned.
BrewDog’s brand, intellectual property, UK breweries and 11 bars were sold to the US cannabis and drinks firm Tilray in March for £33m, in a deal that rendered the shares of more than 200,000 crowdfunding investors worthless .
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