A lengthy legal battle between college social apps Fizz and Sidechat has heated up, with Fizz accusing investor Jerry Lu of passing sensitive company data to a rival.

In its latest court filing, Fizz claims that during an initial meeting to discuss potential investment in 2022, Lu secretly shared confidential information about the app’s growth strategies and user metrics with Sidechat. The accusations come as both companies fight for student attention on campuses nationwide.

While Fizz filed a lawsuit against Sidechat in 2023, claiming various forms of abuse, it only recently learned of Lu's involvement through legal discovery processes. Lu went on to invest in Sidechat’s second seed round last year, despite the ongoing dispute.

The case raises ethical questions about venture capitalists’ roles and responsibilities when handling sensitive information during fundraising rounds. With universities increasingly banning these apps due to bullying concerns, Fizz and Sidechat are under pressure to prove their value while navigating complex legal battles.