VC isn't VC anymore • Hacker News Board

Re: VC isn't VC anymore

#251

Post by otterley » Fri, Sep 04, 2026, 9:09 PM UTC

slowin wrote: post #250

otterley wrote: post #249

Earlier quoted context omitted.

People have the responsibility to say what they mean and make their arguments clear and well understood. He said that being a Zionist is a brand risk. The implication is that the CEO of Vercel is a Zionist.

The CEO of Vercel is a Zionist: https://x.com/rauchg/status/1972669025525158031 Also your original comment was a non sequitur. I replied to a VC saying they could make their own lane by being ethical and being anti-Zionist and you replied asking about business fundamentals, which had nothing to do with what we were discussing.

That post does not establish the connection that you think it does. There was no language of agreement with Natanyahu’s political views therein. In fact his language was inclusive (“peace for Israel AND its neighbors”). You drew a contrary conclusion yourself (as did anyone else who thinks similarly).

It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t like it, that’s on you.

Re: VC isn't VC anymore

#252

Post by slowin » Fri, Sep 04, 2026, 9:23 PM UTC

otterley wrote: post #251

slowin wrote: post #250

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The CEO of Vercel is a Zionist: https://x.com/rauchg/status/1972669025525158031 Also your original comment was a non sequitur. I replied to a VC saying they could make their own lane by being ethical and being anti-Zionist and you replied asking about business fundamentals, which had nothing to do with what we were discussing.

That post does not establish the connection that you think it does. There was no language of agreement with Natanyahu’s political views therein. In fact his language was inclusive (“peace for Israel AND its neighbors”). You drew a contrary conclusion yourself (as did anyone else who thinks similarly). It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t li…

A Zionist is someone who thinks Israel should exist, and here he is wishing for "greatness" for Israel. He is a Zionist.

> It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t like it, that’s on you.

Re-read the thread. No one was talking about what VCs want, I was talking about what founders want. VC opinions on founders aren't part of this discussion.

Re: VC isn't VC anymore

#253

Post by otterley » Fri, Sep 04, 2026, 9:25 PM UTC

slowin wrote: post #252

otterley wrote: post #251

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That post does not establish the connection that you think it does. There was no language of agreement with Natanyahu’s political views therein. In fact his language was inclusive (“peace for Israel AND its neighbors”). You drew a contrary conclusion yourself (as did anyone else who thinks similarly). It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t li…

A Zionist is someone who thinks Israel should exist, and here he is wishing for "greatness" for Israel. He is a Zionist. > It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t like it, that’s on you. Re-read the thread. No one was talking about what VCs want, I was talking about what founders want. VC opinions on founders aren't part of this discussion.

I think Israel should exist. So I’m a Zionist and therefore persona non grata, even if I disagree with much of what Israel has done? If so, that is a very interesting and hard line perspective. Perhaps people should conclude you are a Jew hater and a racist based on this evidence alone?

I’m sure your customers would find this interesting. Do you disclose your position to them before they agree to do business with you? Are you also refusing to do business with them or unilaterally canceling existing contracts if you learn that they too believe that Israel should exist?

> No one was talking about what VCs want, I was talking about what founders want.

You do know what “or vice versa” means, right?

Re: VC isn't VC anymore

#254

Post by slowin » Fri, Sep 04, 2026, 9:29 PM UTC

otterley wrote: post #253

slowin wrote: post #252

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A Zionist is someone who thinks Israel should exist, and here he is wishing for "greatness" for Israel. He is a Zionist. > It’s fair to question whether a VC should care about a founder’s position on Zionism (or vice versa). If you don’t like it, that’s on you. Re-read the thread. No one was talking about what VCs want, I was talking about what founders want. VC opinions on founders aren't part of this discussion.

I think Israel should exist. So I’m a Zionist and therefore persona non grata , even if I disagree with much of what Israel has done? If so, that is a very interesting and hard line perspective. Perhaps people should conclude you are a Jew hater and a racist based on this evidence alone? I’m sure your customers would find this interesting. Do you disclose your position to them before they agree to do business with yo…

> I think Israel should exist. So I’m a Zionist and therefore persona non grata, even if I disagree with much of what Israel has done? If so, that is a very interesting and hard line perspective.

Yes.

> You do know what “or vice versa” means, right?

You know your comment about business fundamentals is a non sequitur right? The comment you were replying to had nothing to do with that or the point of view of venture capitalists with regard to entrepreneurs.

Re: VC isn't VC anymore

#255

Post by otterley » Fri, Sep 04, 2026, 9:31 PM UTC

slowin wrote: post #254

otterley wrote: post #253

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Israel should exist. So I’m a Zionist and therefore persona non grata , even if I disagree with much of what Israel has done? If so, that is a very interesting and hard line perspective. Perhaps people should conclude you are a Jew hater and a racist based on this evidence alone? I’m sure your customers would find this interesting. Do you disclose your position to them before they agree to do business with yo…

> I think Israel should exist. So I’m a Zionist and therefore persona non grata, even if I disagree with much of what Israel has done? If so, that is a very interesting and hard line perspective. Yes. > You do know what “or vice versa” means, right? You know your comment about business fundamentals is a non sequitur right? The comment you were replying to had nothing to do with that or the point of view of venture ca…

If you say so, dude.