An Open Letter to the Leadership of
Sequoia Capital

From the global founder community

TOTAL SIGNATORIES
690
STARTUPS REPRESENTED
420

To the Leadership of Sequoia Capital,

We, the undersigned global founders from across the tech industry, are writing to express our unwavering support for your partner, Shaun Maguire, and to commend his courageous stance on critical issues facing our industry and society. His recent post on X on July 4, 2025, reflects a commitment to truth, free expression, and the defense of the values that drive innovation and progress in the global tech ecosystem.

Maguire's post, viewed over 4 million times, sparked an important conversation about the threats posed by radical ideologies, including radical Islamism, which are incompatible with the principles of freedom, entrepreneurship, and open discourse. His remarks demonstrate a principled stand against extremism and a dedication to fostering a tech community rooted in the values of capitalism, meritocracy, and individual liberty.

As founders committed to building the future of technology, we stand firmly behind Maguire and urge Sequoia Capital to take immediate and decisive action to reinforce these values. We cannot allow the tech ecosystem to be undermined by radical ideologies or silenced by pressures that erode free speech and innovation.

To uphold Sequoia's leadership in the global tech community and to affirm your commitment to the principles of capitalism and freedom, we call for the following actions:

1. Public Endorsement of Shaun Maguire

  • Issue a public statement affirming your full support for Shaun Maguire's right to speak out against radical Islamism and other ideologies that threaten the values of free markets and open societies.
  • Celebrate his contributions to Sequoia's mission and his advocacy for the principles that drive technological progress.

2. Denouncement of Radical Islamism

  • Publicly denounce radical Islamism as a threat to the inclusive, innovative, and meritocratic culture of the global tech ecosystem.
  • Make clear that Sequoia stands against any ideology that promotes violence, intolerance, or the suppression of individual freedoms.

3. Reaffirmation of Capitalist Values

  • Publish a statement doubling down on Sequoia's commitment to the principles of capitalism, including free enterprise, meritocracy, and individual responsibility.
  • Ensure that Sequoia's code of conduct explicitly prioritizes the protection of free speech and the promotion of a culture that rewards innovation and hard work.

4. Safeguards for Open Discourse

  • Establish a mechanism, such as a "Founder Freedom Forum," where founders can openly discuss challenges posed by radical ideologies or other threats to the tech ecosystem.
  • Guarantee that Sequoia will protect founders' rights to express their views without fear of retaliation or censorship.

Anything less than these actions would signal a retreat from the values that have made Sequoia a cornerstone of the tech industry. As the leading venture firm shaping the future of entrepreneurship, Sequoia's response will define whether you champion the principles of capitalism and freedom or succumb to pressures that stifle open discourse.

We request a formal public response by July 14, 2025, outlining your plan to implement these measures. Should Sequoia fail to act decisively, we will amplify our support for Shaun Maguire and mobilize our networks to promote the values of free markets, free speech, and innovation.

Respectfully,

The undersigned

Current Signatories

Yadin Soffer, Traysar
Gilad Adin, Traysar
Asher Katz, Traysar
Ron Adin, Desimulation
Adam Shem Ur, Vect.io

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