Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral candidate in New York City, recently met with a select group of tech workers and startup investors for a fireside chat with venture capitalist Kevin Ryan.
This invite-only event allowed Mamdani to present his vision for a city that prioritizes the working class, following his recent primary victory, which highlighted concerns over the high cost of living in New York.
Despite the potential for controversy, Mamdani largely sidestepped discussions regarding his views on Israel and his proposals for tax increases on the city’s wealthiest citizens, according to attendees.
Hosted by the Partnership for New York City, Tech:NYC, and AlleyCorp, Ryan’s venture capital firm, the event attracted around 200 participants, including startup founders and venture capitalists.
Mamdani’s grassroots campaign emphasizes initiatives such as free city buses, rent freezes, and tax hikes for billionaires.
As he interacted with the tech community, attendees noted a blend of charisma and pragmatism in his responses.
Ryan humorously acknowledged a moment when an audience member referenced a derogatory social media post by President Donald Trump, who labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic”.
The discussion ranged widely, touching on the challenges facing New York’s tech scene and the candidate’s initiatives concerning housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and governmental efficiency.
In a recent online clash with more conservative members of the tech community, Mamdani faced backlash after a Sequoia Capital investor referred to him as an “Islamist.”
While the topic did not arise during the fireside chat, one participant queried Mamdani about his previous comments regarding Israel, leading him to deftly navigate the question without addressing it directly.
Ryan noted that Mamdani aimed to remain focused on his potential role as mayor rather than on international issues.
On the topic of billionaires, Mamdani provided a somewhat ambiguous response.
In a prior television appearance, he voiced concerns regarding the extreme wealth disparity in the city but appeared to be reaching out to the business community during this recent engagement.
Ryan observed that Mamdani didn’t need to meet with CEOs, reflecting the broader context of his campaign and outreach efforts.
Reportedly, in a meeting with business leaders before the fireside chat, Mamdani suggested that he would avoid using the phrase “globalize the intifada” and discourage others from doing so, which came after previous reluctance to denounce the phrase that many see as inciting violence.
One attendee, working at an AI firm, expressed that they had noticed a shift towards a more pragmatic rhetoric from Mamdani.
When asked about his first hundred days in office, Mamdani referenced a past proposal from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg to implement free cross-town bus services, reaffirming his commitment to making all buses in New York free.
Yoni Rechtman, a venture capitalist from Brooklyn who was present, remarked on Mamdani’s willingness to embrace new ideas and engage with those beyond his political base.
Rechtman praised Mamdani’s recent efforts to moderate his stances on significant local issues, questioning whether these were genuine moves towards pragmatism or merely political strategy.
Ryan, a notable figure in New York’s startup ecosystem, commended Mamdani for his outreach efforts even in a room filled with individuals who may not align with all his viewpoints.
While Ryan has not endorsed any candidate, he facilitated the event to connect Mamdani with influential members of the tech community and to offer them an opportunity to assess the candidate themselves.
Although Mamdani’s campaign promotes a 2% income tax increase for New Yorkers earning over $1 million annually, this proposal is likely to affect only a small subset of those present during the event.
Zach Weinberg, a prominent tech founder known for his $2.1 billion exit with Flatiron Health, chose not to attend the fireside chat.
He expressed skepticism regarding Mamdani’s policy proposals, asserting that higher taxes and rent freezes might lead to more significant issues for the city.
Weinberg warned that raising tax rates could drive residents away, ultimately resulting in decreased tax revenue, as affluent individuals often have the flexibility to relocate.
He cited the example of hedge fund manager David Tepper’s departure from New Jersey, which resulted in a drop in the state’s annual tax income, suggesting that tax policy must consider the mobility of high-net-worth individuals.
Ryan acknowledged that while Mamdani is positioned further left than many in the tech community, he demonstrated a willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints as he prepares for the general election against a Republican candidate and several independents.
During the discussion about technology’s role in government, Mamdani criticized the lack of efficiency in public services, remarking that he can easily track a food delivery on his phone, yet struggles to monitor complaints submitted to New York City’s 311 service.
He emphasized the potential for the public sector to learn from private sector technology applications.
In summation, Ryan noted, “He’s a good politician and understands that we need to create jobs in the city if people want to pay for anything.”
image source from：businessinsider
