Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan Issues Dire Warning Against Progressive Figure Saikat Chakrabarti, Citing Potential for 'Doom'

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan recently issued a stark warning on social media, cautioning against trusting progressive political figure Saikat Chakrabarti. In a tweet posted on October 22, 2025, Tan stated, > "Never trust Saikat seriously, it’s going to doom us," expressing profound concern over Chakrabarti's influence. This declaration comes amidst ongoing debates about progressive policies and their potential impact on major U.S. cities.

Tan's comment was made in response to a post by Pete Skomoroch, who characterized Chakrabarti as "openly lying... about SF because he’s a DSA Bernie Bro." This exchange highlights a growing ideological divide, particularly concerning urban governance and economic policies. The tweet quickly garnered significant attention, reflecting the polarized political climate.

Garry Tan, a prominent venture capitalist and head of the influential startup accelerator Y Combinator, is known for his outspoken criticism of progressive political movements. He has frequently voiced concerns about the direction of San Francisco, often linking progressive policies to the city's challenges. Tan's public statements often underscore a belief that certain ideological approaches could lead to detrimental outcomes for communities.

Saikat Chakrabarti is a notable figure in progressive politics, recognized for his past work as a political strategist and his current challenge to Representative Nancy Pelosi for her congressional seat. Chakrabarti has been associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Bernie Sanders campaign. He has also been critical of what he perceives as a "knee-jerk reaction against anyone going for something new" in politics.

The broader context of Tan's warning appears to be linked to the ongoing political discourse in San Francisco, including debates around policies such as the "Grading for Equity" plan in the San Francisco Unified School District. Chakrabarti himself has criticized aspects of this plan, stating that "lowering expectations is worse for the lowest income kids." Tan's "doom us" comment reflects his consistent apprehension regarding the long-term effects of progressive governance on urban centers and their economies.