Mike Lynch, the renowned investor and founder of U.K. tech firm Autonomy, has been reported missing at sea following the capsizing of the yacht he was aboard, named Bayesian, during a storm off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning.
According to sources close to the rescue operation, Lynch is among six individuals missing from the vessel, while his wife, Angela Bacares, is among the fortunate 15 who have been rescued. Tragically, one body has been recovered.
This unforeseen event marks a somber turn for one of the more intriguing and occasionally controversial figures in the U.K. technology scene.
Autonomy, Lynch’s technology company, was acquired by HP for $11 billion in 2011, a significant milestone for the U.K. tech industry. However, the acquisition quickly led to legal disputes, with HP accusing Lynch and other executives of deceptive practices during the deal.
Amidst legal battles spanning more than a decade, Lynch persistently defended his actions, maintaining his innocence and claiming he was unjustly targeted for the deal’s aftermath. Following a recent trial in San Francisco, Lynch was acquitted of 15 counts of fraud and conspiracy, a verdict that brought him great relief.
Despite the legal turmoil, Lynch diversified his interests as an investor, notably establishing Invoke Capital and playing a prominent role in supporting cybersecurity firm Darktrace. His investment ventures extended to companies like Sophia Genetics, Featurespace, and Luminance.
Our thoughts are with Lynch’s family, friends, and associates during this difficult time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
