Web Summit CEO and founder Paddy Cosgrave has decided to step down following the backlash he received for his comments on the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The controversy led to the withdrawal of some technology companies and investors from attending the Web Summit conference in Portugal next month. In a statement, Cosgrave acknowledged that his personal remarks had become a distraction to the event, affecting the team, sponsors, startups, and attendees.
Cosgrave’s resignation comes after his comments created a divide among attendees and potential participants of the Web Summit conference. While he did not provide details about the specific remarks that caused the controversy, the negative response from some technology companies and investors suggested that his comments were seen as inappropriate or offensive. As a result, these companies and investors decided to withdraw their plans to attend the conference, raising concerns about the potential impact on the event’s success and reputation.
In his statement, Cosgrave expressed regret for the distraction caused by his personal comments and recognized the importance of maintaining a focused and positive environment for the event, its sponsors, and participants. The resignation of the Web Summit CEO demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing the consequences of his remarks and ensuring that the conference remains a neutral and inclusive platform for technology professionals.
