30 Under 30 Founder Faces Fraud, Identity Theft Charges

Joanna Smith-Griffin, founder of the education-focused AI startup AllHere Education, has been charged with fraud and identity theft after allegedly misrepresenting her company’s financial health and customer base. 

Smith-Griffin, 33, reportedly secured nearly $10 million in investments by inflating revenue figures and claiming non-existent contracts with major school districts, including New York City Public Schools.

Misrepresentation and Personal Gain

Launched in 2016, AllHere Education aimed to combat absenteeism in schools using an AI chatbot named “Ed.” 

By 2021, Smith-Griffin asserted that her technology was adopted by eight major districts. 

However, prosecutors revealed only two districts—Boston and Prince George’s County in Maryland—had signed contracts. 

Despite the company generating just $11,000 in revenue in 2020, she allegedly reported $3.7 million to investors.

Smith-Griffin is accused of using the company’s inflated valuation to sell personal shares and fund luxury expenses, including a house down payment and wedding costs.

Fallout for AllHere and Broader Implications

In June 2024, discrepancies in financial statements raised red flags for investors, leading to Smith-Griffin’s dismissal. 

The startup has since entered bankruptcy, laying off its staff. 

This incident adds to a string of fraud cases involving young entrepreneurs from high-profile platforms, including Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, on which Smith-Griffin was featured in 2021.

“The alleged deception undermined not only investors but also the potential to improve educational systems,” said FBI assistant director James E. Dennehy, according to The New York Times.

Smith-Griffin now faces charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and aggravated identity theft, carrying a potential 40-year prison sentence. 

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