# Former Hack VC Partner Dies After Accusing Firm of Retaliation

By Sonny Jang

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/people/23284
Published: 2026-09-23T12:59:59.000Z
Updated: 2026-09-23T12:59:59.000Z

Hsin-Ju Chuang, a former Hack VC partner, was found dead near Interstate 15 in California on Aug. 24, hours after publishing allegations that two executives had threatened her with industry blacklisting if she resigned while ill.

Chuang accused Hack VC co-founder Alexander Pack and partner Dmitry Bulaevsky of pressuring her to continue working during serious health problems. She alleged that the firm later delayed her COBRA health insurance and spread rumors about her. The allegations appeared in a post she published early that morning.

Chuang, 37, was found near an exit ramp in the Mojave Desert. Her cause of death has not been determined, and the California Highway Patrol’s Barstow office is investigating. Toxicology and tissue testing may take six months to a year.

Chuang had worked with Hack VC part time since 2021 before joining full time in May 2025. Her compensation rose from $50,000 to $300,000, and she said she had received a $30,000 bonus and promises of additional equity-related compensation.

Hack VC had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the latest update. The investigation continues.