Mubi responds to criticism of investment from Sequoia Capital

Mbi responds to online criticism of investments from Sequoia Capital, an investment company with ties to Israeli defense technology company Kera, saying “the beliefs of individual investors do not reflect Mbi’s views.”

Sequoia led a $100 million investment in Mbi in May this year.

With funding from companies like Apple, Google, Stripe, Airbnb, Bytedance, Sequoia was founded in July 2024 and is also investing in defense technology startup Kela, which is developing an operating system that allows the military to integrate artificial intelligence and commercial technology.

According to Sequoia’s website, Sequoia led Kela’s seed funding round last year. Kera has since secured $60 million in additional funds backed by Sequoia, with a total investment in Kera currently at $100 million.

Mbi’s relationship with Sequoia has attracted criticism from several online commenters who say they have cancelled their Mbi subscription as a result of funds opposed based on the ongoing Israeli-Hamas War and the effects of Gaza on civilians.

Mbi posted a statement on her Instagram page on Saturday, June 14th, in response to criticism.

“Our decision to work with outside investors has always served one purpose: to accelerate our mission to deliver bold, visionary films to global audiences,” says a statement that can be read in full below. “This was the rationale behind our recent partnership with venture company Sequoia Capital.

“In the past few days, some members of our community have commented on their decision to work with Sequoia considering the investment in Israeli companies and the personal opinions expressed by one of our partners. The beliefs of individual investors do not reflect Mbi’s views.”

Mbi was founded in 2007 by technology entrepreneur Efecacarell. The company is an art house streaming platform and has grown from distributor to a major player in the production and distribution of international films.

As a distributor, he has held at least two territorial rights to eight of the 22 Cannes competition films since last month, including Lynne Ramsay’s. Die, my loveOliver Hermanus The history of sound And Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’or Winner It was just an accident.