Despite these issues, Schmidt has publicly stated his role as Steel Perlot’s executive chairman and has made it clear that Ritter has full autonomy to run the company. The company has invested at least $20 million into more than a dozen startups and has launched two companies. However, the lines between Steel Perlot and other Schmidt outfits have blurred at times, with business meetings taking place at Schmidt's estates where Ritter was residing. The current status of Schmidt and Ritter's relationship is unclear, but a source close to the situation said they are currently spending “less time together.”
Key takeaways:
- Eric Schmidt, former Google chairman, has committed at least $100 million to a startup accelerator called Steel Perlot, which he leads with CEO Michelle Ritter, a 29-year-old entrepreneur he has been dating.
- Despite Ritter's claims of multiple backers, Forbes was unable to find evidence that anyone other than Schmidt had provided significant funds to Steel Perlot.
- Ritter has allegedly overstated financial commitments and overhyped involvement from industry leaders in Steel Perlot, according to documents and interviews with 11 former employees and people linked to the company.
- Steel Perlot has invested at least $20 million into more than a dozen startups and has also launched two companies, including a decentralized banking platform called Knox Networks.