Sir Michael Moritz, the Cardiff-born billionaire and Silicon Valley investment legend, has revealed plans to turn his back on both the United States and the United Kingdom. The move is driven not by financial considerations, but by a profound concern over the political climate and a belief that Britain has become "a very hostile place" for Jewish people.
A Fortune Built and a Legacy of Giving
With an estimated fortune of £4.5 billion, Sir Michael is widely regarded as the wealthiest person from Wales. His wealth stems from early and astute investments in Silicon Valley giants, a journey that began over four decades ago when he wrote a book about Apple. Despite his immense wealth, he and his wife, based in San Francisco, have a history of philanthropy. Notably, they pledged $9 million (£6.7m) to support America's SNAP food stamp programme when it was threatened, a donation matched by the city.
The Political Climate and a Family History Lesson
In an interview with The Times, Moritz expressed deep anxiety about the political lurch towards populist right-wing politics on both sides of the Atlantic. His father, Ludwig, brought the family to the UK from Germany following Hitler's rise. Now, Moritz is applying for a German passport to ensure his family's safety and flexibility.
"I think the lesson I've learnt is that you can never have enough passports," he stated, reflecting on his family's history. He described a concerning environment in the UK, where Jewish children in north London avoid wearing school uniforms to not be identified. Despite Germany's grim history, he feels an emotional connection, noting, "that's where Jews are buried."
Views on Trump, Musk, and a Return to Journalism
Moritz was particularly scathing in his assessment of former US President Donald Trump, whom he labelled an "absurd buffoon". He suggested that many Silicon Valley leaders who publicly support Trump are effectively paying for "protection" rather than endorsing his character. On Elon Musk's brief involvement in government cost-cutting, Moritz remarked, "Poor Elon, I thought he didn't understand quite who he was dealing with."
He also referenced Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates's stark criticism of Musk's actions, which Gates linked to halted aid and the deaths of poor children.
Closer to his home in San Francisco, Moritz has channeled funds into supporting local democracy through journalism. He founded The San Francisco Standard newspaper, seeking a sustainable model for local journalism. He insists on editorial independence, telling his team: "I deserve to have my knuckles rapped, go for it."
The planned departure of one of Wales's most successful figures underscores a growing unease among some communities about political direction and social cohesion in both Britain and America.
