In the first part of a new podcast series, the story of Julie Meyer, a once-glamorous and well-connected figure of the dotcom boom, is examined. Meyer, who was awarded an MBE for her entrepreneurial work, now faces serious accusations from former associates, including unpaid wages, debts to suppliers, and missing money.
The Unraveling of a Tech Star
Journalist Olivia Lee first heard about Meyer in a London nightclub. A tech founder recounted a disastrous luxury networking event, describing chaotic scenes where taxi drivers went on strike due to non-payment and guests were evicted from hotels because the organizer hadn't settled the bill. The organizer was Julie Meyer.
Lee, along with Juliette Garside from the Guardian's investigations team, delved into Meyer's background. They discovered a pattern of complaints from people who worked with her, alleging unpaid wages and debts. The podcast explores these accusations and the broader implications for the tech industry.
From Darling to Defendant
Meyer was once celebrated as a queen of London's dotcom scene in the 2000s. However, the investigation reveals a darker side to her success. Former employees and suppliers claim they were left out of pocket, while Meyer continued to project an image of wealth and influence.
The podcast series, titled 'Think Like a Billionaire,' aims to uncover the truth behind Meyer's business practices and the impact on those who trusted her. It raises questions about accountability and the culture of entrepreneurship.
