Urban Airship CEO Accused of Sexual Assault

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Scott Kveton, co-founder and CEO of Urban Airship, in a January 7, 2013 photo.

Image: Flickr, Intel Free Press

By Brian Ries2014-07-02 15:33:20 UTC

Scott Kveton, CEO of Portland-based mobile technology company Urban Airship, is reportedly under investigation for sexual assault.

The allegations stem from a relationship with a former girlfriend who says Kveton assaulted her from 2010 through 2013, according to The Oregonian . That relationship, the newspaper reports, was “highly physical” where “they pushed each other's boundaries.”

See also: Tinder Cofounder Suspended After Sexual Harassment Claims

Kveton, a 40-year-old leader in Portland’s burgeoning tech scene, allegedly videotaped his accuser in sex acts without her consent, raped her while she was intoxicated and once "jumped out of a closet and wrapped his arms around her in a 'bear hug'-like hold,” before dragging her into a bedroom where he “tied her wrists up with some reusable bonding tape," among other allegations.

After one of the attacks Kveton reportedly emailed the alleged victim in an attempt to explain his actions, according to an email obtained by The Oregonian.

"I think we did have a different memory,” he reportedly wrote. “I was not intoxicated, and you were ... I can remember you saying no in the past ... many, many, many times in fact and actually enjoying it all the same.”

Corey Gault, Urban Airship’s director of communications, told Mashable that “this is a personal, private matter for Scott, and has nothing to do with Urban Airship." He added, "We remain focused on continuing to drive Urban Airship’s rapid growth and success in the market.”

We've made attempts to reach Kveton through his attorney but have yet to hear back. We'll update if and when we do.

Urban Airship, a privately held startup founded in 2009, specializes in mobile push messaging and location-based messaging services, working with companies such as NBC News, Walgreens, ESPN, Fox, Nascar, the NHL, Live Nation, The Children’s Place, Fandango, TMZ and Red Bull, among others.

The company has raised nearly $50 million from Intel, Verizon, True Ventures and Foundry Group, and hosted U.S. politicians such as U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, throughout its meteoric rise.

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Topics: Business, Mobile, portland, sexual assault, Tech, U.S.