The Rise of Venture Capitalists for Kamala Harris
Recently, a unique gathering took place via Zoom, marking the emergence of a new affinity group: venture capitalists supporting Kamala Harris. Following various themed calls for cat enthusiasts, Deadheads, and women of diverse backgrounds, this particular meeting brought together affluent investors from Silicon Valley, showcasing their commitment to the Democratic candidate.
While the “VCs for Kamala” call attracted a modest crowd of approximately 600 participants, it included some of the most prominent figures in the tech industry, all of whom wield significant influence in both technology and Democratic politics. This gathering followed an open letter advocating for Ms. Harris, which garnered over 700 signatures from notable tech investors.
During the call, key supporters utilized a format familiar to them: PowerPoint presentations, popular startup aphorisms, and a collective ambition to ensure that the funding round for Ms. Harris became “oversubscribed.” Notably, their logo was designed by AI, reflecting the technological prowess of the group.
Kamala Harris, who has deep roots in Bay Area politics, has cultivated stronger relationships with tech executives and investors compared to President Biden. This connection has sparked an unprecedented enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket, reminiscent of times past. She is scheduled to return to San Francisco for a fundraising event this weekend, which has already sold out except for a few high-priced tickets.
On the call, prominent donor Reid Hoffman made a compelling argument for supporting Ms. Harris over former President Donald J. Trump, emphasizing that a state of “no chaos” is far more beneficial for business. He noted that several CEOs of major companies he spoke with echoed this sentiment.
Ron Conway, a billionaire investor and a stalwart leader within Silicon Valley’s Democratic circles, made an impactful pledge during the meeting, committing to match $50,000 in donations to support Harris’s campaign. Overall, the group raised approximately $135,000 in pledges for her efforts.
John Corrigan, one of the organizers of the call, encouraged attendees to engage in political discussions with their family members residing in swing states, highlighting the importance of grassroots outreach. Corrigan concluded the session by promising the group that they would reconvene in September, humorously noting, “After Burning Man.”
