We know Silicon Valley is a technical haven. It’s not a political one. But tech billionaire Peter Thiel endorsed Donald Trump. He pledged over $120 million. Furthermore, Thiel spoke at the Republican National Convention last July. Is nobody immune? ?The presidential election even divides Silicon Valley.
Also, Facebook co-founder Dustin?Moskovitz and his wife donated $20 million to the Democrat Party. In addition, Charles River Ventures, a tech venture capitalist firm, published a blog called, “(Curse) Trump”. Charles River Ventures claims Trump’s immigration policies threaten entrepreneurship. ?Around 300 tech based companies are giving their employees Election Day off so they can vote.??Furthermore, Silicon Valley leaders tackle social/political issues. Some, like Netfix CEO Reed Hastings, donate millions toward Prop 62. Prop 62 is a bill that will abolish the death penalty in California and other states.
Let me be clear. Silicon Valley has never been political because tech companies know they could lose customers that way. But Inkling CEO Matt?MacInnis believes this is no ordinary presidential election. That’s because MacInnis, and many in Silicon Valley, are terrified of a Trump presidency. MacInnis says so. He said, “?The sheer terror of electing Trump as our president has caused many of those donors and activists to be public with their views, regardless of the social or business consequences.?
Meanwhile, Thiel is a disliked man in Silicon Valley. This election is tearing people apart. It’s tearing households, families and communities apart. Silicon Valley is no exception. There are probably other Trump supporters in Silicon Valley. But Thiel is the most vocal. ?MacInnis is right. We’ve never seen an election like this. I hope we never see it again. Silicon Valley is neutral in politics. Not anymore. Will supporting Trump costs Thiel business? Maybe supporting the Democrats will cause the others business. Many polls say it’s down to the wire. What about after the election? Will Silicon Valley ever treat Peter Thiel the same way again?