Some Black startup founders feel betrayed by Ben Horowitz’s support for Trump

Ben Horowitz, a well-known venture capitalist and co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, has recently come under fire for his support of President Trump. In an interview with Bloomberg, Horowitz praised Trump’s business acumen and stated that he believes the president is “good for the country.”

However, many Black startup founders have expressed their disappointment and betrayal at Horowitz’s support for Trump, citing the president’s controversial policies and comments that have been criticized for being harmful to people of color.

One founder, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that “Ben Horowitz’s support for Trump is a slap in the face to all the hardworking Black entrepreneurs who are trying to make a difference in their communities.”

Another founder, Dr. Ayanna Howard, CEO of Zyrobotics, a company that develops assistive technology for people with disabilities, expressed her disappointment in Horowitz’s support for Trump, stating that “Trump’s policies have been harmful to people of color and it’s surprising that Ben Horowitz, who has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, would support him.”

Horowitz’s support for Trump has also sparked a larger conversation about the role of venture capitalists in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Many argue that Horowitz’s support for Trump undermines his credibility as an advocate for underrepresented groups in tech.

“It’s frustrating to see someone who has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech support a president who has been so harmful to people of color,” said Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code. “It’s important for venture capitalists to use their power and influence to promote diversity and inclusion, not undermine it.”

Others have also criticized Horowitz’s support for Trump, citing the president’s controversial comments on Charlottesville, Virginia, where he equated white supremacists with counter-protesters, and his administration’s “zero tolerance” policy on immigration, which has led to the separation of families at the border.

In response to the backlash, Horowitz has stated that he does not agree with all of Trump’s policies, but believes that the president has been good for business and has helped to create jobs. However, many Black startup founders remain unconvinced, arguing that the benefits of Trump’s economic policies do not outweigh the harm caused by his controversial comments and policies.

The controversy surrounding Horowitz’s support for Trump highlights the complex relationship between venture capitalists, diversity and inclusion, and politics in the tech industry. It also raises important questions about the role of venture capitalists in promoting diversity and inclusion, and their responsibility to use their power and influence to advocate for marginalized communities.

In conclusion, Ben Horowitz’s support for Trump has sparked a heated debate in the tech industry, with many Black startup founders expressing their disappointment and betrayal. The controversy highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in tech and the need for venture capitalists to use their power and influence to promote marginalized communities, not undermine them.