California- and Dubai-based tech entrepreneur Josh Adler faces multiple allegations that his software firm, ConvrtX, accepted tens of thousands of dollars from aspiring start-up founders without delivering promised websites or mobile apps. More than 20 former clients and employees worldwide, from Scotland to Georgia, describe a pattern of non-delivery, repeated requests for additional funds, legal threats, and even the use of fake tests. Adlerโs lawyers insist that the vast majority of clients were satisfied and claim that only a handful of spurious complaints have been lodged.
Rapid Rise, Rapid Criticism
Founded in 2019 when Adler was 21, ConvrtX marketed itself as a โworld-leading venture studio,โ promising end-to-end support for new businesses, including business plans, investor pitch decks, custom websites, and fully functional mobile applications. The company claimed a five-star satisfaction rating, a global team of 70 staff, and features in Forbes and Harvard Business Reviewโboth of which later denied any involvement.
Leaked internal records reveal that ConvrtX billed over $5 million to more than 280 clients between 2019 and 20 3. Yet senior insiders say genuine success stories were rare, hampered by volatile staffing, inexperienced contractors, and a leadership more focused on flashy lifestyles than on product delivery.
Client Case Studies
Amy: Two Years, One Basic Website
Amy (pseudonym), a 37-year-old UK single mother, paid $53,000 in 2021 for a website and companion app to connect those with fertility challenges to potential surrogates. Over the course of 24 months, she received only a rudimentary website; the app never materialized. Meanwhile, Adler pressed her for further payments.
After remortgaging her home and maxing out her credit cards, Amy sought a refund from her bank and filed a complaint with the UK Financial Ombudsman Service. A senior investigator preliminarily ruled that โConvrtX โfailed to exercise reasonable care and skill, recommending a $39,0ConvrtX fine. ConvrtXโs lawyers counter that Amy received a website, a clickable prototype, and a fully developed appโassertions that the Aombudsmanโs tech experts dispute.
DeShawn: A Dreaโ App That โWas Never Possibleโ
Georgia truck driver DeShawn Womack invested over $50,000 in 2021 in an app that allows remote access to phone data on a lost or stolen device. He obtained only a static design mock-up. When he inquired about the functionality specifically, missed-call syncing and remote dialing, a ConvrtX developer admitted that the project was impossible. Womack halted payments and said he feels lied to by promises formalized in Adlerโs contract. Adlerโs team rejects any claim that projects were knowingly misrepresented.
Gemma: Sexual Harassment Amid Dispute
Dundee-based tarot reader Gemma Martin has invested over $35,000 in an interactive website and app that facilitates client bookings and subscriptions. After posting negative feedback, she says ConvrtX refused to release her site unless she signed an NDA barring criticism. A ConvrtX lawyer then sent her unsolicited, flirtatious emails, which were later terminated as a โrogueโ contractor by Adler, who apologized. ConvrtX maintains that Martin received complete source code and functional software; it has since sued her for defamation.
Steven: Threatened Over a $5,000 Project.
Independent filmmaker Steven Marshall paid $5,183 for marketing collateral to launch his business. When he sought ConvrtXโs assistance, ConvrtXโs compliance officer warned of potential criminal libel charges under a non-disclosure agreement. Marshall says the threatโ left him โdepressed.โ ConvrtX counters that Marshall waived the right to public criticism when he signed the NDA.
Ayesha: Fake Testimonial and Intimidation
Ayesha Imran requested a $18,000 refund in 2021 after ConvrtX failed to deliver an app and its associated privacy ppolicy In response, she says she was threatened with $60,000 in damages if she spoke oout onvrtXโs website featured a glowing testimonial attributed to her, despite her never having given cconsent Adlerโs lawyers say the testimonial appeared on anโ internal โdummy site and was never meant for public view.
Corporate Culture and Leadership
Former staff members describe Adler as prioritizing a โrich kidโ lifestyle over client outcomes. In company meetings, he allegedly boasted about stays at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Bali villas, and a Porsche 911, complete with anecdotes about speeding tickets. Employees report that high turnover and reliance on underqualified freelancers have resulted in frequent errors and unfulfilled expectations.
Adlerโs lawyers described him as โhighly ambitiousโ with exacting standards; they say underperforming staff were culled to maintain quality. They stress that 325 of roughly 340 clients reported satisfaction, and that only 12โ15 formal complaints ever arose.
Legal Response and Next Steps
ConvrtX has sued one former client for allegedly inciting a false allegation. The Egal team unequivocally denies all wrongdoing and asserts that products were delivered by payment obligations.
Affected clients are pursuing refunds through banks, ombudsperson services, and litigation. Consumer protection experts warn that prepaying substantial sums to cross-jurisdictional tech firmsโoften shielded by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)โcarries significant risk.
Industry observers note that this saga underscores the importance of rigorous due diligence when engaging with venture-studio models. The contract should include clear milestone definitions, escrow arrangements, and dispute-resolution clauses to protect fledgling entrepreneurs.
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