Billionaire tech investor Ben Horowitz plans to make a “significant” donation to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ campaign — a major reversal just months after he and business partner Marc Andreessen endorsed former President Donald Trump. .
Horowitz made his disclosure in a letter to Andreessen Horowitz employees, writing that he and his wife, Felicia, “have known Vice President Harris for more than 10 years” and that the former California Attorney General is “a friend of the company. These are “our early days.”
“As a result of our friendship, Felicia and I will make a significant donation to organizations supporting the Harris Walz campaign,” Horowitz wrote in the letter. First obtained by Axios,
Horowitz and Andreessen Led Silicon Valley’s Surprising Shift Toward the Republican Party That’s when he pledged to support Trump after his defeat in a debate by President Joe Biden in June.
Andreessen retweeted Horowitz’s post about the letter on That’s who will win the White House as polls show Harris and Trump in a tight race after Biden drops out of the race.
Horowitz acknowledged that his change of heart came despite Harris’ lack of any concrete plan for the tech industry.
“While I have had several conversations with Vice President Harris and her team on their potential technology policies and am encouraged by the confidence I have in them, they have not yet stated what their technology policy will be, so the company will not be able to update its position. Will do. In that regard,” he wrote in his letter.
Some tech giants are betting that Trump is more likely to support a favorable regulatory agenda for startups in the growing artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency sectors.
This trend sparked a heated debate in the tech industry, which traditionally leaning toward democrat,
“The Biden administration has been exceptionally destructive on tech policy across the industry, but particularly as it relates to crypto/blockchain and AI,” Horowitz wrote. “So, while I fully expect the Harris administration to be much better, she has not yet stated her intentions.”
Harris has been vague about how she would handle tech regulation matters if she defeats Trump in November — such as antitrust actions under a Biden-Harris administration.
recently 82 page economic policy outlineThe Harris campaign said it would “encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.” The word “antitrust” is mentioned only once in the document.
Horowitz and his wife faced criticism over the summer for supporting Trump.
in August, The San Francisco Standard posted a comprehensive profile About the couple and how their decision to support Republicans mirrors their longtime support of Democratic candidates and issues, including Harris.
After the article was published, Horowitz publicly criticized fellow tech investor and ex-Sequoia Capital chairman Michael Moritz, who funds Standard. Horowitz accused Moritz of using news outlets For attacking his family – a claim which the Standard denied.
Horowitz wrote on
Fellow mogul Elon Musk — the world’s richest person — declared himself “dark MAGA” when he appeared on stage with Trump during a rally in Butler, PA, on Saturday.
But Harris has broad support from some of Silicon Valley’s wealthiest donors, including Melinda French Gates, Reid Hoffman, Reed Hastings and Laurene Powell Jobs.
