Airwallex is Australia’s second-largest startup success story and by far its most divisive. But as it marks a decade in business, the company is facing unprecedented scrutiny over its data and compliance systems, the nature of its connections to China, and its intense work culture.
Two weeks ago, 700 staff were flown to Bangkok for a two-day company conference to celebrate the 10-year milestone, a source with direct knowledge told Capital Brief.
But co-founders Jack Zhang and Lucy Liu didn’t show up, leaving many employees with a bitter taste in their mouth at an event they expected would celebrate their success alongside the company’s most senior leaders.
“The team was highly disappointed. The sense is they weren’t bothered to show up, because they just don’t put their people first,” the source, who was granted anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media, said.
