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Tech Founders Demand Sequoia Condemn Partner’s ‘Islamist Agenda’ Comments

Sequoia Capital has until July 14 to respond to founders’ demands for an apology, independent investigation, zero-tolerance hate-speech policy

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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.