Overview

• More than 800 founders, investors and tech workers have signed an open letter demanding that Sequoia apologize to Zohran Mamdani, adopt a zero-tolerance hate-speech policy and launch an independent investigation into partner Shaun Maguire’s conduct by July 14.
• Shaun Maguire posted on X that Mamdani “comes from a culture that lies about everything” and advances an “Islamist agenda,” and has since defended the remarks in a video and follow-up posts asserting “Islamist” refers to a political ideology.
• Sequoia Capital has publicly declined to comment on the letter and maintains a neutral stance while emphasizing partner autonomy over personal political speech.
• Signatories include CEOs of Sequoia-backed startups, Y Combinator alumni and employees at companies such as Microsoft and Google who warn they will pursue broader public disclosures if the firm does not respond.
• The controversy highlights Silicon Valley’s struggle with Islamophobia and intensifies calls for venture firms to enforce clear conduct standards among partners.