Single largest investment in SVLG history will advance Bay Area competitiveness to help lead Silicon Valley into a new era of dynamism, AI innovation, and sustainable growth
San Jose, Calif. (September 9, 2025) – The Silicon Valley Leadership Group – the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem – today announced a landmark $1.4 million investment from the San Francisco 49ers, marking the single largest investment in the organization’s five-decade history.
This anchor investment will accelerate SVLG’s “Future Forward” agenda—strengthening the Bay Area’s business dynamism, economic competitiveness, and world-class leadership in technology and innovation. The funding now sets the stage for additional commitments in the pipeline from the region’s leading companies across technology, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that are expected to follow.
The investment will also support SVLG’s expansion plans, including its flagship Institute for California AI Policy (I-CAP), which is rapidly scaling to shape innovative AI deployment across the State.
“In this era of unprecedented innovation, SVLG is laser-focused on business competitiveness and the future of our region,” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO of SVLG. “This generous investment from the 49ers will accelerate our ability to deliver results for our members, scale next-generation AI initiatives, and strengthen the innovation economy that powers California and our global economic leadership. This is the beginning of a new era of leadership that will define our region for years to come.”
“The 49ers are proud to make this historic investment in SVLG because the strength of our team has always been tied to the strength of the community around us,” said Jed York, CEO of the San Francisco 49ers and SVLG Board Chair. “Silicon Valley is entering a new era of growth and Ahmad’s fresh, forward-thinking leadership has positioned SVLG to activate a new wave of bold ideas, dynamic partnerships, and transformative impact. By supporting SVLG’s Future Forward agenda, we’re helping ensure that our region remains the most dynamic place in the world to innovate, to build, and to thrive.”
“With this historic commitment, SVLG is positioned to advance its ‘Future Forward Agenda’ during an era of technological transformation unfolding in the heart of Silicon Valley,” said Vicki Huff Eckert, SVLG Board, Treasurer. “This anchor investment will accelerate SVLG’s crucial work in promoting a dynamic innovation economy, competitive business landscape, and the effective scaling of cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.”
“Silicon Valley, with the City of San Jose at its heart, is the global epicenter of innovation,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said. “This partnership between two organizations invested in the South Bay’s success will accelerate opportunities to strengthen the business climate. SVLG plays an important role in helping San Jose and the greater Bay Area support a stable, dynamic business ecosystem, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
SVLG’s Future Forward agenda includes strategic initiatives, flagship events, and advocacy focused on:
- Strengthening business competitiveness and innovation by driving a bold policy agenda to attract and retain leading employers, encourage high ROI public investment, and drive inclusive growth.
- Scaling modern public-private partnerships through analytics-driven collaboration that ensures business leaders shape policy in measurable, strategic ways.
- Advancing infrastructure and talent by championing energy resilience, advanced R&D, housing, next-generation data centers, and skilled workforce pipelines.
- Elevating California’s global leadership in AI through the Institute for California AI Policy’s thought leadership and transformative policy work at the state and local levels.
The landmark investment comes at a pivotal moment as the Bay Area prepares to host global events including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. These milestones will showcase the Bay Area on the world stage, with the opportunity to spotlight the region’s innovative leadership and drive lasting economic impact for local businesses and communities alike.
York’s tenure as SVLG Board Chair will conclude at the end of 2025, with new board leadership to be formally announced in December.
About Silicon Valley Leadership Group
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG has worked for nearly five decades to address issues that affect the region’s economic dynamism and quality of life. Today, SVLG is focused on accelerating the next era of Silicon Valley leadership, activated by our three Centers of Expertise (COE). Technology & Innovation, Business Competitiveness, and Civic Impact. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the worldwide economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
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