legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation Norway Over… — Ron Conway Resigns from Salesforce Foundation Over Benioff's Political Stance
Venture capital icon Ron Conway, founder of SV Angel and a prominent early investor in tech giants like Google, Airbnb, and Meta, has stepped down from his position on the board of the Salesforce Foundation. The resignation, as reported by the New York Times, stems from disagreements with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff regarding Benioff’s recent public statements expressing support for former President Donald Trump, including his stance on deploying the National Guard in San Francisco.
Table of contents
- legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation Norway Over… — Ron Conway Resigns from Salesforce Foundation Over Benioff's Political Stance
- Conway's Decade-Long Commitment and Disagreement
- Benioff's Evolving Political Views
- Impact on Salesforce and the Tech Community
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Industry Trends and Market Analysis
Official guidance: IEEE — official guidance for legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation Norway Overview
Conway’s Decade-Long Commitment and Disagreement

Conway’s departure marks the end of a decade-long association with the Salesforce Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting education and workforce development initiatives for disadvantaged youth. In 2023 alone, the foundation contributed $36 million to various causes and held assets totaling $400 million at the year’s end, according to tax filings cited by the New York Times. Conway’s resignation highlights the growing tensions within the tech community as political ideologies increasingly diverge.
The venture capitalist expressed his disappointment in an email to Benioff, obtained by the New York Times, stating that Benioff’s recent comments and perceived lack of understanding of their impact had significantly altered his perception of the Salesforce CEO. The two have maintained a friendship for 25 years, sharing similar left-leaning political views for much of that time. Benioff’s recent shift in ideological alignment appears to have been the breaking point for Conway.
Benioff’s Evolving Political Views

Benioff’s recent comments, which sparked Conway’s resignation, included praise for Elon Musk’s efforts to improve government efficiency and a seeming lack of concern regarding reports of immigration raids and attacks on the press by Trump. These remarks were particularly notable given Benioff’s ownership of Time magazine, a news publication acquired in 2018. This situation highlights the complex relationship between tech leadership, media ownership, and political influence.
Benioff’s evolving political views reflect a broader trend among some high-profile tech leaders and investors who, despite previously supporting the Democratic Party, have now voiced support for Trump. This shift in allegiance has raised questions about the motivations and long-term implications for the tech industry and its role in shaping public discourse and policy.
Impact on Salesforce and the Tech Community
The disagreement between Benioff and Conway unfolded during Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, a major annual event held in San Francisco. The public nature of this conflict underscores the increasing scrutiny and accountability faced by tech leaders regarding their political affiliations and statements. While neither Salesforce nor Conway immediately responded to requests for comment, the incident has undoubtedly sparked discussions within the company and the wider tech community.
This event serves as a microcosm of the broader political polarization affecting various sectors, including the technology industry. Conway’s resignation emphasizes the importance of shared values and principles, particularly in philanthropic endeavors. It also raises questions about the potential impact of political disagreements on business relationships and corporate social responsibility initiatives within the tech sector.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Industry Trends and Market Analysis
The upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference in San Francisco from October 27-29, 2025, aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of the tech industry. The conference will feature over 250 speakers across 200+ sessions, focusing on startup growth, emerging technologies, and market trends. Topics covered will include advancements in AI, the future of mobility, and the evolving role of venture capital. The event provides a platform for founders, investors, and innovators to connect, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities.
The conference’s focus on key industry trends, such as AI adoption, reflects the growing importance of these technologies in shaping the future of business. Sessions will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing AI solutions, including ethical considerations and the need for responsible development practices. The event also highlights the continued importance of venture capital in fueling innovation and driving economic growth within the tech sector.
The departure of Ron Conway from the Salesforce Foundation underscores a notable shift in the tech landscape, where personal values and political ideologies are increasingly influencing business decisions and relationships. As the industry continues to evolve, navigating these complexities will be crucial for maintaining trust and fostering collaboration.
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