CNN: JD Vance invested in Kentucky startup plagued by employee complaints, lawsuits

JD Vance was an early investor in a Kentucky startup that was undermined by lawsuits, employee complaints and later bankruptcy, an investigation by CNN found .

AppHarvest, a startup that promised high-tech indoor farming in Eastern Kentucky, went public with major investor backing in 2021. Senate disclosures show Vance joined as a board member in 2017, CNN reported, and he also supported the company in interviews. Narya, his Ohio-based venture capital firm, also invested in AppHarvest.

A Vance spokesperson told CNN the vice presidential candidate was unaware of the problems and wished the company had succeeded. A member of AppHarvest’s senior management team, who chose to remain anonymous, told CNN allegations against the company were not discussed at board meetings during Vance's tenure and that issues such as extreme heat and health insurance arose after Vance left the board.

Former employees told the outlet they were subjected to extreme heat inside greenhouses, suffered injuries and heat exhaustion and weren't provided proper protective equipment, among other complaints. Public records obtained by CNN showed complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and a Kentucky regulator between 2020 and 2023, but state inspections found no violations.

AppHarvest also employed contract migrant workers from Mexico, Guatemala and other countries despite touting itself as a company dedicated to bringing jobs to Kentucky, CNN wrote.

Vance stepped down as a board member in 2021 when he launched his U.S, Senate bid, but remained an investor.

Luke Schroeder, a spokesperson for the Republican vice presidential candidate, told CNN Vance “was not aware of the operational decisions regarding hiring, employee benefits, or other workplace policies which were made after he departed AppHarvest’s board. Like all early supporters, JD believed in AppHarvest’s mission and wishes the company would have succeeded."

AppHarvest's chief restructuring officer Gary Broadbent told CNN the company "has no continuing operations."

Vance, who grew up in Middletown but whose family is from Eastern Kentucky, has often toted his Appalachian roots while on the campaign trail.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: CNN: JD Vance invested in Kentucky startup plagued by employee complaints, lawsuits