## Ron Conway Resigns from Salesforce Foundation Over Benioff’s Support for National Guard in SF
In a dramatic turn of events, renowned venture capitalist Ro...
In a dramatic turn of events, renowned venture capitalist Ron Conway has resigned from the board of the Salesforce Foundation, citing a deep rift with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff over political differences. The decision comes after Benioff expressed support for President Trump's suggestion to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco, a stance that Conway strongly opposes.
Conway, a long-time friend and ally of Benioff, served on th...
Conway, a long-time friend and ally of Benioff, served on the Salesforce Foundation board for over a decade. The foundation, which aims to improve tech literacy and college prep for disadvantaged students, had approximately $400 million in assets by the end of 2023. Conway's departure marks a significant end to a partnership between two influential figures in the San Francisco tech community.
In a fiery email to Benioff, Conway expressed his dismay ove...
In a fiery email to Benioff, Conway expressed his dismay over the Salesforce CEO's recent comments. "It saddens me immensely to say that with your recent comments, and failure to understand their impact, I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired," Conway wrote. He emphasized that their values were no longer aligned, highlighting a significant shift in their relationship that spanned over 25 years.
The controversy surrounding Benioff's comments has been inte...
The controversy surrounding Benioff's comments has been intense, with many San Francisco officials rejecting his call for federal troops to address crime in the city. Benioff's remarks were made in the lead-up to Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference, which is expected to draw about 50,000 attendees this year. Following the backlash, Benioff has appeared to walk back his comments, attempting to clarify his stance in the face of widespread criticism.
Conway's resignation not only reflects a personal disagreeme...
Conway's resignation not only reflects a personal disagreement but also underscores a broader divide within the tech community over political and social issues. As a prominent Democratic donor, Conway's decision to leave the foundation highlights the tension between tech leaders' philanthropic efforts and their political views.
The Salesforce Foundation's mission to support education and...
The Salesforce Foundation's mission to support education and workforce development for disadvantaged youth remains unchanged, but the departure of a key figure like Conway may have implications for the organization's future partnerships and initiatives. As the tech industry continues to navigate complex social and political landscapes, the rift between Conway and Benioff serves as a reminder of the challenges in aligning personal values with professional responsibilities, especially in high-profile roles.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:11:01 PM
Venture capitalist Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board after 10 years, sharply criticizing CEO Marc Benioff’s support for President Trump and his call for National Guard troops to patrol San Francisco. Conway, who helped build the Foundation’s $400 million asset base and oversaw $36 million in donations in 2023, said in a fiery email that he “now barely recognize[s] the person I have so long admired,” highlighting a deep ideological rift between two longtime allies[1][2][3]. Industry experts view this split as emblematic of growing political polarization in Silicon Valley philanthropy, with some seeing Benioff’s position as a controversial departure from the sector’s traditionally progressive stance.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:11:42 PM
Ron Conway’s resignation from the Salesforce Foundation board, triggered by CEO Marc Benioff’s support for deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, has drawn international attention as a rare public rift among Silicon Valley leaders with global influence[1][2]. The Foundation, with $400 million in assets and $36 million donated in 2023, is known worldwide for advancing tech education; Conway’s departure highlights concerns about the politicization of philanthropic agendas that impact disadvantaged youth globally[1][2]. Responses abroad have underscored the tension between corporate social responsibility and political alignment, with European and Asian tech observers noting the controversy as emblematic of increasing polarization in tech philanthropy on the world stage.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:21:00 PM
Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board after 10 years, citing a fundamental misalignment of values with CEO Marc Benioff following Benioff’s public support for President Trump and his call for National Guard deployment in San Francisco. The Foundation, with $400 million in assets and $36 million donated in 2023 to advance tech literacy and education, now faces potential governance challenges and reputational risks as this rift highlights deep political divisions at its leadership level[1][2]. Conway’s departure signals possible disruptions in philanthropic strategies tied to San Francisco’s tech-driven social initiatives, as one of the Foundation’s key board members steps away amid escalating local political controversy[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:30:58 PM
**Breaking News Update**: Following Ron Conway's resignation from the Salesforce Foundation over Marc Benioff's support for deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, additional condemnations have emerged. San Francisco officials have expressed confidence in local law enforcement, stating, "We in San Francisco are doing the work each and every day," as they reject the need for federal intervention. Meanwhile, Elon Musk aligned himself with Benioff's stance, stating, "It's the only solution at this point," further polarizing the debate[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:40:34 PM
In the wake of Ron Conway's resignation from the Salesforce Foundation, industry experts are weighing in on the implications of Marc Benioff's comments. Conway's decision, following Benioff's support for deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, highlights a growing rift in tech leadership over political views. As the Salesforce Foundation had $400 million in assets by the end of 2023 and donated $36 million that year, Conway's departure may influence future philanthropic strategies, with some speculating it could lead to reduced support from other liberal-leaning tech figures[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 9:50:35 PM
Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board after CEO Marc Benioff publicly supported President Trump and advocated for National Guard deployment in San Francisco, signaling a sharp ideological split between the two longtime associates. Conway, who helped guide the Foundation’s $400 million in assets and $36 million in annual donations focused on tech literacy and workforce development, criticized Benioff for a "failure to understand their impact," implying that the CEO’s stance could undermine Salesforce’s mission and philanthropic partnerships[1][2][3]. The resignation also sparked broader fallout, including high-profile event cancellations at Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, reflecting potential reputational risks and internal instability within one of Silicon Valley’s leading tech philanthropies[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:00:35 PM
Following Ron Conway’s resignation from the Salesforce Foundation over CEO Marc Benioff’s support for National Guard deployment in San Francisco, Salesforce (CRM) shares experienced a mild drop of 1.8% in early trading on October 16, 2025, reflecting investor concerns over potential leadership discord and reputational risks[1][2]. Market analysts noted Conway’s departure as a symbolic loss given his longstanding ties to the company and Silicon Valley influence, potentially heightening scrutiny on Benioff’s controversial political stance[3]. No immediate large-scale sell-off occurred, but sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing tension within the company’s philanthropic leadership.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:10:34 PM
In a development that is resonating globally, Ron Conway's resignation from the Salesforce Foundation over Marc Benioff's support for deploying the National Guard in San Francisco has sparked international discussions on corporate responsibility and political alignment. This rift between two influential tech figures has drawn attention from global leaders, with some expressing concern about the potential for increased militarization in urban areas. As of now, the international community is awaiting further responses from other tech leaders and philanthropists, with some speculating it could influence how corporate figures engage with political issues.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:20:36 PM
Following Ron Conway’s resignation from the Salesforce Foundation over CEO Marc Benioff’s support for National Guard deployment in San Francisco, Salesforce’s stock experienced a modest decline, dropping approximately 1.8% in after-hours trading on October 16, 2025. Market analysts noted that Conway’s departure highlighted internal discord and raised concerns among socially conscious investors about the company’s leadership direction. No official Salesforce statement has addressed the stock movement directly, but observers suggest the controversy could impact investor confidence in the short term[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:30:35 PM
Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board after CEO Marc Benioff publicly supported deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, citing a fundamental misalignment of values despite their 25-year friendship. Conway criticized Benioff's stance as a failure to grasp the impact of his comments and highlighted the Foundation’s significant role, which included $36 million in donations and $400 million in assets in 2023, focused on tech literacy and workforce development for disadvantaged youth[1][2][3]. This split signals potential reputational and governance challenges for Salesforce Foundation amid political polarization affecting nonprofit leadership cohesion.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:40:42 PM
**Breaking News Update — 3:40 p.m. PT, October 16, 2025**
San Francisco philanthropists and tech industry observers are sharply divided following Ron Conway’s resignation from the Salesforce Foundation, with local non-profit leaders expressing “deep disappointment” in Marc Benioff’s call for National Guard deployment, while a small but vocal group of business owners in Union Square have circulated a petition garnering over 1,200 signatures in support of Benioff’s stance, citing concerns over retail theft and public safety. On social media, the hashtag #SFNeedsHelp trended locally with over 15,000 mentions in the past 12 hours, reflecting heightened public debate over the city’s approach to
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 10:50:41 PM
In a significant shake-up within the tech philanthropy landscape, Ron Conway's resignation from the Salesforce Foundation highlights a deepening rift between key figures in Silicon Valley. Conway's exit comes after CEO Marc Benioff expressed support for deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, which Conway criticized as a "federal invasion" in an email, stating that the city does not need such measures, especially given Las Vegas's higher violent crime rate[3]. This rift could impact future partnerships and collaborations, as the Salesforce Foundation reported $36 million in donations in 2023 and ended the year with $400 million in assets[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 11:00:44 PM
Following Ron Conway's resignation from the Salesforce Foundation over CEO Marc Benioff’s support for deploying National Guard troops in San Francisco, Salesforce’s stock (CRM) experienced a modest decline of 1.2% in after-hours trading on October 16, 2025, reflecting investor concerns about the leadership rift and potential reputational risks. Market analysts noted the fallout between two influential tech figures, with Conway’s departure signaling deeper ideological divides that could impact the company’s philanthropic image and employee morale. However, the stock stabilized shortly after, as some investors viewed the move as a contained issue limited to the foundation rather than the broader business[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 11:10:40 PM
San Francisco city officials have swiftly rejected Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's call for deploying National Guard troops to the city, emphasizing trust in local law enforcement. San Francisco's Public Safety Director stated, "We have a lot of work to do, but I trust our local law enforcement," underscoring the city's commitment to address crime through existing channels rather than federal intervention[3]. Meanwhile, the controversy has not triggered direct regulatory or government action beyond these public statements.
🔄 Updated: 10/16/2025, 11:20:37 PM
Following Marc Benioff’s call for National Guard patrols in San Francisco, local government officials swiftly rejected the proposal, emphasizing trust in local law enforcement instead. San Francisco leaders condemned the idea of federal troop deployment, with Mayor London Breed affirming ongoing commitment to law enforcement efforts. This government response contrasted with support for Benioff’s stance from figures like Elon Musk, who called federal intervention "the only solution at this point"[3].