During an interview at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference held at the Friends of Zion Media Center, Shaun Maguire, a Partner at Sequoia Capital, reflected on Israel’s technology scene and its global importance. Speaking about the recent assassination of his friend Charlie Kirk, Maguire noted, “Charlie often discussed how unhappy many young people in the West are and how their genuine fears about uncertain futures are leading to dark, troubling behaviors.” He highlighted the global implications: “One reason Americans should care is because Israel is essentially on the front lines defending Western values and democracy.”
Maguire also pointed out Israel’s role as a center of innovation. “My goal is for Israel to develop a homegrown trillion-dollar company within the next ten years,” he said, emphasizing, “Without high ambitions, success is unlikely.” He praised Israel’s talent pool and entrepreneurial spirit: “The difference between Israel today and twenty years ago is remarkable. We now have some of the brightest people, many of whom are second-time founders, driven by resilience and determination.”
He shared insights from recent obstacles, recalling how Israeli startups handled the post-October 7 challenges: “Some companies had 30% of their staff called for duty, yet many still reported their Q4 results, everyone hit their targets. These people are truly dedicated.” Concluding his thoughts, Maguire asserted his deep love for Israel, but also noted that his actions are about more than just Israel. “If the West allows Israel to falter,” he said, “The entire West could also decline.”