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VC legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation after Benioff’s NationalGuard comments
Ron Conway, founder of SV Angel, has resigned from the Salesforce Foundation following CEO Marc Benioff's comments supporting President Trump and suggesting National Guard presence in San Francisco. Conway expressed disappointment over Benioff's shift in ideology, marking a significant rift after 25 years of friendship and shared political views.
Key points
- Ron Conway resigns from Salesforce Foundation due to ideological differences with CEO Marc Benioff.
- Benioff expressed support for Trump and suggested National Guard should patrol San Francisco, leading to Conway's departure.
- Conway and Benioff have been friends for 25 years, traditionally holding left-leaning views.
- Salesforce Foundation, which Conway was part of for a decade, has significant assets and a mission to support disadvantaged youth.
- Conway's resignation highlights the growing divide in tech leadership regarding political beliefs.
Why it matters
- The incident reflects a broader trend of tech leaders shifting towards conservative views, especially in the wake of Trump-era policies.
- As of 2025, this rift could symbolize the impact of political polarization in the tech industry.
- Conway's resignation might influence investor perceptions and philanthropic alignments within the tech community.
Conway's resignation from Salesforce Foundation showcases the evolving political landscape among tech leaders, marking a significant shift in long-standing relationships and potential implications for philanthropy in the sector.