Wishes for Ron Conway

Ron Conway, the longtime Silicon Valley investor and founder of SV Angel, announced on X that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Conway declined to disclose the specific type of cancer, saying he does not want speculation about his prognosis. Ron is optimistic and said that the treatment will run about a year. He is being treated by a team at UCSF in San Francisco. Conway said that while he is stepping back from some activities, he will continue working with SV Angel founders.

Ron is affectionately known as the godfather of Silicon Valley, and not just for his investments in startups. He is one of the most politically, socially, and intellectually connected people in the valley. He was one of the key people who helped avert the disaster that came with the Silicon Valley Bank collapse a few years ago.

I have known Ron since his time in the valley since his early as an angel investor. Early nineties. This was long before he was known as the guy who wrote a check for Google, he was the same man he is today.

Ron is an incredibly generous human. When I fell sick the last time around, Ron was generous and supportive in getting me help at UCSF. And even in a recent incident he was quick to fire off a few calls on my behalf. He did this for everyone.

Ron is a critical part of Silicon Valley’s moral infrastructure. When the so-called leaders abandoned the city of San Francisco and Silicon Valley during the COVID crisis, he doubled down on it. He has been a solitary voice in opposing the political infrastructure that others in Silicon Valley have been quick to genuflect before. Unlike most, what Ron is not, is Ron for himself. And that is why the news of his cancer feels so much more personal.

The news has been a shock to me, for I think of Ron as Ron the indomitable. My fondness for the man is immense. As someone who has been there for me through thick and thin, I wanted to send him my wishes and prayers.

Please take a moment and join me in wishing him well.

April 18, 2026. San Francisco