Balderton Capital and AVP allegedly orchestrated a "covert plot" to oust Cognism's founder, according to a London court hearing. The investors stand accused of attempting to remove the former CEO from the B2B sales intelligence platform, with legal proceedings revealing internal communications suggesting coordinated actions against the founder.

Cognism, founded in 2013, received approximately $49 million in funding through Balderton Capital. The legal battle centers on claims that investors conspired against the founder, creating tension between early backers and company leadership. The court case has exposed rifts within the company's governance structure.

The proceedings continue with both sides presenting evidence of alleged misconduct. Investors maintain their actions were justified, while the founder claims his removal was part of a deliberate power grab. The outcome could set precedents for founder-investor relations in UK tech companies.