Rippling, the HR tech startup known for its all-in-one workforce management platform, is facing an unexpected obstacle in its high-profile lawsuit against competitor Deel. The company is trying to serve legal papers to Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz — but French bailiffs can’t seem to locate him.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this year in Ireland, accuses Deel of engaging in corporate espionage by allegedly paying a Rippling employee to spy on the company. The case has sent shockwaves through the tech and startup community, with both sides maintaining dramatically different versions of events.
Rippling accuses Deel of corporate espionage
According to court filings, Rippling claims that Deel secretly recruited one of its employees to act as a mole within the organization. The lawsuit includes an affidavit from the alleged spy, whose account reads like a thriller script — filled with covert operations, confidential document leaks, and secretive communication.
Deel has strongly denied all allegations, stating that it has done nothing wrong. However, Rippling’s legal team remains adamant that the company engaged in unethical practices to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly growing HR tech sector.
Bailiffs unable to locate Alex Bouaziz
Despite moving forward with the lawsuit, Rippling’s efforts have hit a major roadblock: they have been unable to officially serve legal documents to Alex Bouaziz, the CEO of Deel. Under Irish law, formal service is required for the case to proceed, especially when naming an individual as a party in the lawsuit.
Rippling hired French bailiffs to deliver the papers to Bouaziz at his listed address in Paris. But according to a report by Business Post, multiple attempts have failed. Bouaziz appears to be nowhere to be found.
A digital nomad with multiple locations
Bouaziz’s elusive nature adds complexity to the situation. French magazine Challenges described him as “highly nomadic,” though still closely connected to France. Bouaziz’s professional profiles only deepen the mystery — he lists his location as Tel Aviv on LinkedIn, while his X (formerly Twitter) account shows him based in New York.
This geographical ambiguity has complicated Rippling’s ability to serve him through traditional legal channels. As a result, Rippling may be forced to seek court approval to serve Bouaziz via alternative methods, including email.
A legal thriller with high stakes
The case is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic legal battles in the HR tech world. Both Rippling and Deel are major players in a competitive industry that’s rapidly expanding amid growing demand for global payroll, remote hiring, and workforce management tools.
Deel has grown into a unicorn startup by simplifying international hiring and compliance. Rippling, which offers a unified HR, IT, and finance platform, has positioned itself as a formidable rival. The allegations of corporate espionage, if proven true, could have serious implications for both companies’ reputations — and could potentially result in damages or injunctions.
A pattern of secrecy and silence
As of now, none of the parties involved have issued public statements. Deel, Rippling, and Bouaziz all declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Business Post.
The silence from the companies, combined with the failed attempts to serve Bouaziz, has only added intrigue to an already sensational story. Legal experts suggest that if service continues to fail, Rippling may ask the court for permission to proceed without direct service or through digital alternatives.
What’s next in the Rippling vs. Deel case?
The case remains in its early stages, but the outcome could be pivotal for both companies. If Rippling can prove its claims, it may not only win damages but also gain an edge in an increasingly crowded market. On the other hand, Deel will need to defend its reputation and business practices vigorously.
In the meantime, all eyes are on whether Rippling can finally locate Bouaziz and officially serve him with the lawsuit — a necessary first step before the courtroom drama can truly begin.
