J.D. Vance’s Tech Connections

Last month, J.D. Vance traveled to San Francisco to organize a fund-raiser for ex-President Donald J. Trump and later hosted an intimate dinner with tech and crypto leaders. The event took place at the lavish Pacific Heights residence of David Sacks, a well-known entrepreneur and podcaster, whom Vance had met through the influential tech investor Peter Thiel. Back in 2016, Vance had worked for one of Thiel’s investment firms in San Francisco.

During the exclusive dinner, where attendees paid $300,000 each, Mr. Trump, seated between Sacks and tech investor Chamath Palihapitiya, casually asked the room for advice on his potential running mate selection. Despite other notable figures like Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, being present, Sacks, Palihapitiya, and others all suggested Vance for the role, as recounted by sources familiar with the conversation.

Mr. Vance, who was recently chosen by Mr. Trump to be his running mate in Ohio, had a brief stint in Silicon Valley’s tech sector, working as a junior venture capitalist and a biotech executive. Although he didn’t leave a significant mark on the tech industry, his time there played a crucial role in his rapid rise within the Republican Party and is expected to shape his political trajectory.

Vance’s tenure in tech was instrumental in establishing connections with billionaire executives and investors such as Thiel, Sacks, and Elon Musk, the owner of X company. These individuals have continually supported Vance’s political aspirations, boosted his visibility among affluent donors and on social media platforms, and advocated for Trump to select him as his running mate.