Forbes Publishes Investigation into Badoo’s Corporate Culture

A feature-length article published in Forbes has raised a number of questions about the corporate culture and company structure at Badoo.

It suggests the brand operates a network of subsidiaries and offices abroad to minimise its tax bill, with Worldwide Vision Ltd. and Rimberg International Corp. highlighted as potential channels for evasion. Operations in Malta, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands are mentioned by author Angel Au-Yeung. 

Andrey Andreev, interviewed by Forbes for the piece, denies that these company arms are used for the purpose of avoiding UK tax. 

The investigation goes on to explore allegations of workplace misogyny, with four former employees asserting that an explicit video was once circulated internally. 

It mentions multiple cases of harassment, including one dated July 2018. Andreev told the publication: “You have been misinformed about the circumstances (…) and I have thorough documentation for this. As any HR matters are sensitive and confidential, I cannot give you more details.” 

Later in the piece, Au-Yeung outlines some of the diversity and inclusion measures taken by Badoo in recent months. Specialised training sessions have been implemented, and maternity leave has been increased.

Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd comments, calling Andreev “my family and one of my best friends.” The entrepreneur left dating rival Tinder in 2014 after a settlement relating to sexual harassment. 

UPDATE: In a statement to Business Insider, MagicLab said: “MagicLab is a family of brands that are built off of diversity and thrive in addressing societal issues by building relationships all over the world.

“We are extremely disappointed in the reckless reporting of the Forbes reporter. Not a single current employee is quoted, our fact-check corrections were largely ignored, and the journalist refused to talk to dozens of former and current employees who came forward to counter the sensationalist narrative of only a few former disgruntled employees.”

GDI has contacted Badoo for comment.

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