Steve Jurvetson, a prominent board member at two Silicon Valley companies that have captured the imagination of defense and intelligence leaders, has left his venture capital firm amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Jurvetson has served on the board of directors for SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company that now competes to launch Air Force satellites, and Planet Labs, the satellite imagery company that has won contracts with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

According to a statement to the technology news site Recode, Jurvetson is taking “a leave of absence,” from SpaceX’s board.

In a separate statement to the news site, Jurvetson’s venture capital firm, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, said, “as of today and by mutual agreement, Steve Jurvetson will be leaving DFJ. DFJ’s culture has been, and will continue to be, built on the values of respect and integrity in all of our interactions.

“We are focused on the success of our portfolio companies, as well as the long-term vision for the firm and will continue to operate with the highest professional standards,” the statement said.

Jurveston denied the allegations in a tweet and vowed to fight them. “I am leaving DFJ to focus on personal matters, including taking legal action against those whose false statements have defamed me,” he posted.

Jurvetson has also served on the board of directors for Planet Labs. The company did not respond to several emails requesting comment.


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