Sequoia Capital’s Michael Moritz is investing $300 million to reshape San Francisco, a city he thinks has lost its way. Moritz, who has lived in San Francisco for four decades, has dedicated more than $336 million since 2020 to social and political causes in the city. He has funded hundreds of nonprofits and advocacy groups, created a civic engagement group and a political action committee.
Moritz’s latest projects offer a different type of return: civic. His personal foundation, Crankstart, which doles out hundreds of grants each year, is San Francisco’s largest, with more than $5.1 billion in assets in 2021.
The massive commitment includes developing over 1,000 affordable housing units, creating new public recreation spaces, supporting schools, and funding local nonprofits. Moritz hopes to improve quality of life and opportunity for residents of all backgrounds.
Target areas for investment include the long-neglected South of Market district, where several projects are already underway including a large affordable housing development and public park upgrades.
While fierce debates continue over how to remedy San Francisco’s challenges, Moritz’s initiative reflects renewed momentum and resources dedicated to streets-level renewal, especially in overlooked zones.
Moritz’s investments aim to make his mark on a city he thinks has lost its way. He is working hard to reshape San Francisco and invest his time and money in remaking the city. Moritz’s latest projects offer a different type of return: civic. His personal foundation, Crankstart, which doles out hundreds of grants each year, is San Francisco’s largest, with more than $5.1 billion in assets in 2021.
