The compliance startup Delve is embroiled in escalating allegations related to potential violations of software licensing. An anonymous whistleblower, known as DeepDelver, claims that Delve misappropriated an open-source tool called SimStudio from Sim.ai, falsely presenting it as their own product named Pathways.
DeepDelver asserts that Delve’s team, when questioned about the origin of Pathways, denied using SimStudio, despite evidence suggesting it is a modified version of that open-source tool. Such actions, if validated, would breach the Apache software license, which mandates proper attribution to original developers. Emir Karabeg, the CEO of Sim.ai, has confirmed that Delve lacked any licensing agreement with his company and noted that Sim.ai had previously been a customer of Delve.
Previously, DeepDelver raised concerns about Delve allegedly manipulating customer data and employing unreliable auditors, claims that Delve has rejected. Following the new allegations regarding Sim.ai, communication between Delve and Karabeg has ceased, raising further questions about the startup's business practices.