Deel files countersuit against Rippling as rivalry escalates

In a heated clash between HR software rivals Deel and Rippling, Deel has filed a countersuit accusing Rippling of corporate espionage, misreporting payroll taxes, and attempting to steal its trade secrets. The startup further alleges that Rippling placed an insider at Deel, allowing the other company to eavesdrop on internal communications. Meanwhile, Rippling is seeking to serve its legal papers to Deel’s CEO, whose location in Israel complicates matters. Both companies are locked in a bitter battle over accusations of wrongdoing and reputational damage.