A San Francisco AI insurance startup’s slashy plans to open up 100 24/7 cafes selling smoothies and snacks appear to be on pause — days after one of its execs went viral for posting an exhaustive list of demands for her future husband.
The startup Corgi late last week removed Trevor Owens, its head of cafe expansion, and another person, saying their services were no longer needed, according to an email reported by the San Francisco Business Times.
One of Corgi’s San Francisco cafes was reportedly shut down by the Department of Public Health for lacking a valid health permit, as online reviewers complained that the site was “smelly” and poorly maintained, with malfunctioning doors and bathrooms, per the SF Standard.
A Corgi spokesperson attributed the permit problem to “an administrative issue.”
Corgi, valued at $4 billion amid a local artificial intelligence boom, has eyed the cafes as an unconventional marketing strategy for the company — catering to tech founders, venture capitalists and startup employees who work punishing late-night schedules.
But the biggest dust-up for the divisive startup Corgi came when Brooke LeBlanc, its “head of community,” posted an ultra-specific list of dating non-negotiables that triggered considerable backlash.
Her requirements included a man between 35 and 42 years old, “healthy masculine,” smart, funny and lighthearted, a “provider/protector mentality,” be “post economic (still hardworking),” kind, generous and thoughtful, have no children but wants children.
LeBlanc further demanded that the hypothetical hubby be “on the healing path,” fond of therapy and retreats but also “fit and sober.”
LeBlanc claimed that she’s since found 5 potential suitors meeting her stringent requirements.
She has since nuked her X account but remains employed at the startup, Corgi confirmed to The Post.
In the email about the cafes, Owens told Corgi’s retail leasing adviser, Newmark Group, that there’s been a change in direction.
“Throughout this process, I communicated and worked toward the plans leadership gave me. I recognize the time, effort, and credibility your team invested with landlords on that basis,” Owens wrote. “You acted in good faith based on the information and direction we shared, and I regret the disruption these changes have caused. This is not the experience I intended for our partners.”
Only a few weeks ago, the startup had approved lease signings for 16 San Francisco cafes, Owens wrote.
But the Business Times reported that the startup recently backed out of a lease deal it was about to finalize.
Corgi and Newmark agents did not respond to requests for comment from the outlet.
According to Owens’ email, Corgi leadership had repeatedly affirmed it wanted to hit a 100-cafe target.
“The first cafe had generated substantial community engagement, brand recognition, and visibility at a relatively modest cost. Given the funding available and potential marketing value, I viewed the cost of securing 100 leases as a comparatively small investment in that strategy,” he said.
However, last month, Corgi put a pause on new signings but still wanted him to advance leasing discussions, Owens said. Up until three days before his termination, the startup was still saying it wanted to open more cafes.
Founded by Nico Laqua and Emily Yuan, the AI insurance platform has raised more than $430 million to date and reached a $4 billion valuation, according to Forbes.
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