Sophia Amoruso, the founder of the now-bankrupt fashion company Nasty Gal, has been vocal about distancing herself from comparisons to Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos. In a recent profile published in Elle, Amoruso expressed her frustration over being likened to Holmes, who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy.
Amoruso rose to fame in the 2010s as a symbol of female empowerment with the term 'Girlboss,' which also served as the title of her 2014 book. However, she has since rejected the term, acknowledging the negative connotations associated with it.
Nasty Gal, the company founded by Amoruso in 2006, faced financial troubles and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2016. The challenges included layoffs, a change in CEO, and legal disputes with employees.
In contrast, Elizabeth Holmes' Theranos scandal led to her conviction and imprisonment for putting patients at risk with faulty blood-testing technology. Despite their differing paths, Amoruso found herself unfairly linked to Holmes in a Halloween costume article by The Information, prompting her to speak out on social media.
Following Amoruso's criticism, The Information removed the controversial story and issued an apology for the distress it caused. The outlet's CEO acknowledged the error and expressed regret for the oversight.
Amoruso has since shifted her focus to the venture capital world, founding Trust Fund, an early-stage fund investing in tech-enabled products. The fund marked its first anniversary in December 2023, highlighting Amoruso's continued entrepreneurial spirit.
At a professional summit hosted by The Information, Amoruso reiterated her disassociation from the term 'girlboss,' emphasizing her evolving perspective on female leadership and empowerment.
As she navigates her post-Nasty Gal career in the tech investment landscape, Amoruso remains committed to shaping a new narrative that reflects her growth and resilience beyond past controversies.
