Hsin-Ju Chuang, Former Hack VC Partner, Dies at 37

Hsin-Ju Chuang, a former venture partner at Hack VC and founder of Dystopia Labs, died on August 24 at age 37, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner. She was pronounced dead at the scene after California Highway Patrol officers responded to a call on southbound Interstate 15 south of Field Road.

Authorities have not publicly identified a cause of death. Cointelegraph contacted the California Highway Patrol for additional details but received no response by publication time.

Chuang's LinkedIn profile lists her as founder of Dystopia Labs and notes prior roles as head of growth at Stellar and Solana. She joined Hack VC in 2021, was promoted to partner and head of platform in 2025.

Hack VC co-founder Alexander Pack said on Wednesday that the firm was 'shocked and saddened' by her death and extended condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Pack added that the company had not spoken with Chuang for more than ten months and was unaware of the circumstances surrounding her death. He asked the public to 'be respectful of those who are grieving.'

In the weeks before her death, Chuang had publicly accused Hack VC of mistreating her during her tenure and stated that she planned to release evidence supporting her claims. Those allegations have not been independently verified, and no further statements from Chuang have been made public since her death.

The California Highway Patrol investigation remains ongoing; further details may emerge as authorities release additional information.