Ron Conway’s Bold Resignation from Board After 25 Years: ‘I No Longer Recognize the Leader I Once Admired’ – Insights on Marc Benioff’s Transformation

Ron Conway, a well-known Silicon Valley investor, recently stepped down from the Salesforce Foundation board. This decision came after Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed his support for President Trump and suggested deploying the National Guard in San Francisco to combat crime. Their split highlights a growing divide between personal values and political stances in the tech world.

Conway, who has been friends with Benioff for over 25 years, shared in an email that their views no longer aligned. “I barely recognize the person I have so long admired,” he lamented, expressing shock over Benioff’s comments about federal troop deployment. Conway’s concerns reflect deeper anxieties in the tech community regarding Trump’s administration and its impacts on society.

Benioff’s controversial statements drew sharp reactions. Leaders in San Francisco were outraged, especially since crime rates in the city have been declining. Recent stats show that homicides hit their lowest point in 70 years. Mayor Daniel Lurie highlighted this trend, pointing out that drug overdose deaths are also down.

Interestingly, while tensions rise over crime and safety, some tech leaders like Benioff have previously threatened to move major events such as Dreamforce to Las Vegas due to safety concerns. However, Conway pointed out the irony in this, noting that Las Vegas actually has a higher violent crime rate than San Francisco.

Public sentiment also plays a crucial role in these debates. Social media trends indicate that many San Franciscans are frustrated by wealthy individuals advocating for federal intervention in a city they don’t even reside in.

As for Benioff, he has mostly avoided discussing his political views during major events. His recent silence speaks volumes in an era where tech leaders are increasingly scrutinized for their opinions and actions.

Overall, this situation underscores a significant moment in the tech industry, where personal beliefs, community safety, and political climate intertwine. This ongoing discourse is testing friendships and reshaping alliances within Silicon Valley.



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American Politics,Donald Trump,Dreamforce,Fortune Intelligence,investor,Marc Benioff,Salesforce,San Francisco