When Business and Politics Collide

The Virtue of Speaking Up for One’s Beliefs

One year ago in this blog, I used the occasion of America’s July 4th Independence Day to share my views about one country that is fighting every day for its survival and independence: Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine is deeply personal to me as someone who is married to a Ukrainian native whose hometown is under occupation no less. My wife’s family must deal with the consequences of living in a war zone where it often seems like the bombs may never stop dropping.

For the past 3.5 years, residents of Ukraine have had to face brutal bombings and attacks that have specifically targeted schools, playgrounds, hospitals, apartments, and other locations that are populated entirely by civilians and that are nothing more than sheer acts of terrorism. This does not even account for the massacres that have occurred in places such as Bucha or the thousands of children that have been kidnapped from Ukrainian territory and taken into Russia for “re-education.” The war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine are almost too numerous to mention at this point. Even more than fighting for its own survival, Ukraine today serves as the front line for the world in defense of democracy, territorial sovereignty, and the world order that has kept the worst instincts of colonialist dictators and despots in check since the end of World War II.

There are naturally many other geopolitical, as well as domestic and local issues on which I have strong opinions as well. Sometimes I get involved in my own small way, typically through making financial contributions to the political candidates or causes that I support, or through expressing my viewpoints on social media platforms. However, as politics is not my full-time job, I tend to limit my involvement to the issues that I feel most directly connected to. When it comes to supporting Ukraine, the passion runs so deep that it can on occasion creep into my activities and decision making as a professional venture capital investor.

As one example, I have declined to participate in investment opportunities in which a startup uses employees or contractors who are physically based in Russia. I simply do not wish for one penny of my investment dollars to be funneled into the Kremlin’s pockets as tax revenue or anything else. NB: I have absolutely no issue investing in companies with Russian native founders or employees who live outside the country, as long as they are not actively supporting their government’s aggression, to the best of my knowledge. I have also sought to connect with more Ukrainian founders and venture investors, in the hopes of supporting their burgeoning startup ecosystem, including their homegrown strategic defense technology.

I recently participated in an event for founders and funders in which I noticed that another participant represented a financial entity that was verifiably involved in funding Russia’s war and atrocities. I raised my concern about this with the event organizers, who agreed that including this organization in their program was an oversight. They promptly took action to rectify the matter. While this lone act won’t alter the course of the war, it is important to remember that small victories eventually add up. It requires that we all keep our eyes and ears open and take action when it is warranted.

There are times in life, both personally and professionally, when one realizes that their values are not being upheld by others within their circle. We humans are endowed with the power of critical thought and free will. If we do not stand up to injustice, as we see it, then who will? We must not turn a blind eye or sleepwalk our way through life and simply ignore events that defy our sensibilities. If we do not stand up for our highest principles, then what is our purpose for being?

I understand that not everyone will have the same intense feelings and personal connection to the invasion of Ukraine that I do. However, I would challenge anyone to maintain a firm moral compass around some issue or issues that are so core to their beliefs, that they are willing to speak up and act up; even if only in a seemingly small way when confronted with a situation that challenges these principles. Whether the issue has to do with war, the environment, healthcare, immigration, racism, injustice, poverty, education, democracy, or anything else, those of us who are privileged enough to live in a free society should not be afraid to let our voices be heard and our actions be seen. As the slogan of the Washington Post goes, “Democracy Dies in Darkness.”