Mubi CEO, Efe Cakarel, defends the investment from Sequoia Capital, dismissing criticism in a public letter: "Allegations contradict our principles and values."
Mubi Announces Ethical Funding Policy and Artists At Risk Fund in Response to Criticism
Mubi, the global film streaming platform, has announced two significant initiatives aimed at addressing concerns over its investment from Sequoia Capital. The company's CEO, Efe Cakarel, has pledged to create an 'Ethical Funding and Investment Policy' and establish an 'Artists At Risk Fund'.
The Ethical Funding and Investment Policy, set to be published on August 15, 2025, will formalize Mubi's principles for fundraising and investment decisions. The policy commits to respecting human dignity, supporting creative freedom, and avoiding funding relationships that contradict these values. It will apply to all fundraising and investment decisions made by Mubi from its effective date.
The Artists At Risk Fund, scheduled for a full announcement by October 30, 2025, is intended to support artists and cultural workers under threat. This initiative reflects Mubi's commitment to creative freedom and human dignity in practice.
Mubi is also establishing an independent Artists Advisory Council of filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices to advise on the Ethical Funding and Investment Policy. The council will include a human-rights due-diligence expert to ensure that Mubi's decisions align with its values.
The controversy arose from Sequoia's investments in Israeli defense technology firm Kela, which develops an operating system for militaries to integrate artificial intelligence and commercial technology. Critics accused Mubi of complicity due to its 2025 investment from Sequoia, which is linked to Israeli defense technology companies.
In response, Cakarel has stated that Shaun Maguire, the Sequoia partner at the center of the controversy, has no involvement with Mubi. He also clarified that Mubi's profits do not fund any other companies in Sequoia's portfolio.
The Ethical Funding and Investment Policy will be published for public consultation and feedback before a final policy on October 15, 2025. The policy aims to ensure future partnerships and investments align with Mubi's values and to implement safeguards to maintain the company's independence from controversial investors.
Mubi remains committed to elevating great cinema and making it accessible to audiences around the globe. Despite the backlash, the company is expanding its support for artists at risk through the Artists At Risk Fund, which will provide commissions, residencies, and restoration projects for filmmakers working under conflict, displacement, or censorship, including Palestinian filmmakers.
Over 60 filmmakers have signed a letter urging Mubi to reconsider its relationship with Sequoia and publicly condemn the company over "genocide profiteering". Mubi's updated Ethical Funding and Investment Policy and the establishment of the Artists At Risk Fund are intended to address these concerns and reinforce the company's solidarity with artists affected by conflict.
[1] Mubi's updated Ethical Funding and Investment Policy: [link] [2] Mubi's open letter: [link] [3] Letter from filmmakers to Mubi: [link] [4] Details about the Artists At Risk Fund: [link] [5] Mubi's second official statement: [link]
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