Brooklyn startup founder sued for nearly $1 million in unpaid student wages
A federal class-action suit alleges that Mathata “Moe” Mpela, founder of Naline Green Solutions, owes about $950,000 in back pay to more than 20 college students who worked unpaid for his Green Apprentice Program.
Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Mathata “Moe” Mpela is accused in federal court of failing to pay roughly $950,000 in wages to over 20 college and graduate students who participated in his Green Apprentice Program. The students, recruited through CUNY and Howard University career offices, were to mentor Transit Tech High School students on green-technology projects and were promised hourly rates between $22 and $40. According to the complaint, the workers never received any pay, with some moving across the country and rejecting other employment opportunities.
Mpela has blamed the shortfall on a delayed New York state grant, a claim the plaintiffs’ counsel disputes, while Mpela maintains he only owes $53,000 and apologized for hiring the 2026 cohort without secured funding. The suit also raises safety concerns about a proposed basement-based EV-charger manufacturing operation at the high school. CUNY has barred Naline from its recruiting system, and the Department of Education has not commented on the matter.
Why it matters
It highlights how vulnerable students can be exploited by startups promising social impact but failing to pay promised wages.
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