Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, faces renewed scrutiny after revelations that a lifestyle application she endorsed received more than £1 million of taxpayer-funded cash before collapsing without ever launching a product.
The Failed Venture and Public Money
The app, named vVoosh, was founded in 2010 by businessman Manuel Fernandez. It aimed to connect people with shared interests and foster new hobbies. Despite raising approximately £9 million in total funding, the company entered administration last month having never released a functional product.
A significant portion of its funding, over £1 million, came from the UK government in the form of research and development tax credits. This use of public funds is now under the spotlight following the firm's failure.
Links to Sarah Ferguson and a Rumoured Romance
Ms Ferguson, 66, was a public supporter of the venture, previously describing herself as an ambassador for vVoosh. The collapse raises fresh questions about her business judgement and associations, particularly with Mr Fernandez.
The pair were introduced in 2014, and it was widely rumoured they were in a relationship for about two years afterwards. Mr Fernandez, 57, a former British Army soldier turned entrepreneur, was even photographed as Ms Ferguson's plus-one at high-profile events, including Bob Geldof's wedding. Ms Ferguson has consistently denied the romance, stating they were merely 'good friends'.
Administration Details and Wider Fallout
Documents from the administrators reveal the company employed teams in London and India but ran out of money for development. Progress halted entirely after the Indian contractor threatened legal action.
Further complicating matters, a former director—Mr Fernandez is the only director to have resigned since 2019—is accused in the report of owing £324,609 to the failed company. Mr Fernandez has strongly denied allegations he removed money from vVoosh, claiming this will be disproven in legal proceedings.
The fallout directly impacts Ms Ferguson. One of her own companies is listed as a creditor owed £50,000, and it remains uncertain if this sum will be recovered. Her firm also holds roughly one percent of vVoosh's shares.
Charity Troubles and a Pattern of Woes
Adding to the controversy, a sister charity, the vVoosh Charitable Foundation, is also in difficulty. It is more than four years overdue in filing accounts. Its last statement from 2019 showed that of a £1.28 million gross income, only £18,240 was spent on charitable activities. The Charity Commission, concluding it never conducted any charitable work, is now moving to strike it from the register.
This episode is the latest in a series of setbacks for Ms Ferguson. It follows her being stripped of her Duchess title and being dropped by several charities after scrutiny over her past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Last month, a cryptocurrency mining firm that had promised to pay her £1.4 million for ambassador work also collapsed.
Mr Fernandez is understood to have left the UK for Italy after selling his £1.3 million north London home last summer. Representatives for Sarah Ferguson have been contacted for comment regarding the vVoosh administration.
