Tech Titans Take on Washington: The DOGE Effect

These days, Silicon Valley isn't just about startups and tech giants. It's also about shaping government policy. The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has become a hotspot for tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists eager to make their mark on federal spending and operations. The tech industry has always been about disruption, and now that spirit has spread to the halls of power. DOGE is at the forefront of this shift, with a roster of founders and VCs who are no strangers to innovation and risk-taking. These individuals have made names for themselves in the tech world, and now they're turning their attention to the federal government. Take Nate Cavanaugh, for instance. He co-founded two startups and sold one of them. Now, he's part of a DOGE team looking into U. S. government agencies that fund projects in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Cavanaugh might not have a political background, but he's clear about his influences, citing Peter Thiel as a major inspiration. Then there's Stephen Ehikian. He sold two companies to Salesforce and now serves as the acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). Ehikian is known for his tough stance on government contracts and leases, and he's not afraid to make waves. He's even faced opposition from senators and congressmen who disagree with his methods. Justin Fulcher, another DOGE member, is a bit of a cautionary tale. He founded a telehealth startup that went bankrupt, but that didn't stop him from joining DOGE. Now, he's overseeing reforms at the Veterans Administration, where he's already made significant cuts to the staff. Joe Gebbia, the billionaire co-founder of Airbnb, is also on board with DOGE. He's working as a volunteer in the Office of Personnel Management, where he's tackling the slow and outdated retirement process. Gebbia's political leanings are a bit of a mix, but he's clear about his support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Mike Gonzalez, the founder of an HR startup, is another DOGE member. He's been tight-lipped about his role, but he's not the only one from his network to join the cause. David Sacks, a VC and former colleague, is also involved, serving as the Trump administration's crypto and AI czar. Vinay Hiremath, the co-founder of Loom, is a more recent addition to DOGE. He joined after a personal crisis, looking for a way to make a difference. But his stint was short-lived, and he eventually quit to focus on himself. His experience highlights the challenges and uncertainties that come with working in a high-pressure environment like DOGE. Brooks Morgan, the co-founder of an edtech startup, is involved in DOGE's efforts at the Education Department. He's part of a push to replace some workers with AI, a move that's raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Morgan's background in edtech makes him a natural fit for this role, but the implications of his work are far-reaching. Kyle Schutt, a software entrepreneur, is another DOGE member. He's on staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where he has access to sensitive systems and data. Schutt's background in fundraising and technology makes him a valuable asset, but it also raises questions about the intersection of politics and tech. Ethan Shaotran, a young entrepreneur, is one of the newer faces at DOGE. He's been involved in several lawsuits and controversies, but he's also shown a knack for navigating complex systems and data. Shaotran's access to government email systems and websites is a testament to his skills, but it also underscores the power and influence of DOGE. Brad Smith, a healthcare entrepreneur, is a longtime advocate for privatizing aspects of Medicaid and Medicare. He's one of the leaders of DOGE, working alongside close Musk ally Steve Davis. Smith's background in healthcare and venture capital makes him a formidable force, but his policies have sparked debate and criticism. Jordan Wick, a tech entrepreneur, is another DOGE member. He's granted extensive access to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's data, a move that's raised concerns about privacy and security. Wick's background in computer science and entrepreneurship makes him a valuable asset, but it also highlights the challenges and controversies that come with working in a high-stakes environment like DOGE. The venture capitalists are also making their mark. Baris Akis, the co-founder of Human Capital, has been involved in inquiries into the Treasury Department's payments systems. Marc Andreessen, the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, has described himself as an "unpaid intern" for DOGE, helping with recruitment and other tasks. Antonio Gracias, the founder of Valor Equity Partners, is working with DOGE's efforts at the Social Security Administration. Michael Kratsios, a former managing director at Scale AI, is Trump's pick to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Scott Kupor, a managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, is helping DOGE with its mission to slash the federal workforce. Shaun Maguire, a partner at Sequoia Capital, has been screening potential candidates for DOGE. Adam Ramada, a former managing director at SpringTide Capital, is auditing contracts and programs at the Department of Education. Amanda Scales, the former head of talent at Human Capital, is now chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management. The tech industry's influence on the federal government is undeniable, and DOGE is at the center of it all. These founders and VCs are bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table, but they're also facing challenges and controversies. As they continue to shape policy and operations, it's clear that the tech industry's impact on Washington will only grow.