Ron Conway, the esteemed founder of venture capital firm SV Angel, renowned for early investments in tech giants like Google, Airbnb, and Meta, has stepped down from his position on the Salesforce Foundation board. This decision comes in the wake of recent statements by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who expressed full support for President Trump and suggested deploying National Guard troops to patrol San Francisco streets to address crime and homelessness.
In a recent interview, Benioff emphasized the need for a show of force in San Francisco, advocating for the National Guard’s presence to tackle the city’s escalating issues. He also lauded Elon Musk’s initiatives to enhance government efficiency and admitted to not closely following reports on immigration raids or the administration’s stance on the press, despite owning Time magazine since 2018.
Conway’s association with the Salesforce Foundation spans a decade, during which the organization has been dedicated to supporting education and workforce development for underprivileged youth. In 2023 alone, the foundation contributed $36 million and concluded the year with assets totaling $400 million, as per tax filings.
The longstanding friendship of 25 years between Benioff and Conway, both known for their progressive political views, has been strained by these recent developments. In an email to Benioff, Conway expressed his dismay, stating, It saddens me immensely to say that with your recent comments, and failure to understand their impact, I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired.
A Salesforce spokesperson confirmed Conway’s resignation, expressing gratitude for his significant contributions to the foundation over the past decade.
Benioff’s recent political alignment reflects a broader trend among prominent tech leaders and investors who have shifted their support toward President Trump, marking a notable departure from their previous affiliations with the Democratic Party. This ideological shift became particularly evident during Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, a major annual event in San Francisco.
The divergence in viewpoints between Benioff and Conway underscores the complex interplay between personal beliefs and professional relationships within the tech industry. As political landscapes evolve, such instances highlight the challenges leaders face in balancing corporate responsibilities with personal convictions.
