Mubi CEO Efe Cakarel addresses criticism over their investor Sequoia Capital's links to Israeli Defense

Mubi CEO Efe Cakarel clarified his company’s working relationship with new investor Sequoia Capital, after being accused of funding the Israeli Defense Forces against Palestine.

The Turkish entrepreneur shares in an open letter that,

“Any suggestion that our work is connected to funding the war is simply untrue.”

This comes after Mubi received significant criticisms from across the film industry following the $100m investment it received from Sequoia in May. The US firm reportedly has investments in the Israeli defence technology firm Kela. Kela is developing an operating system that will help militaries integrate artificial intelligence and commercial technology.

“Following the investment from Sequoia, some have suggested that we are complicit in the events occurring in Gaza. These accusations are fundamentally at odds with the values we hold as individuals and as a company,” he shared in the letter.

He then doubled down in the letter, expressing that the organisation is committed to opposing all forms of war and oppression, while also advocating for the dignity and freedom of every individual.

“We condemn all acts that harm innocent civilians and reaffirm the right of all people to live in peace and safety,” Cakarel added. “The immense suffering, displacement and starvation of the Palestinian people is a humanitarian catastrophe that must end.

Given this, Efe's statement came after 63 directors issued their own open letters, urging the company Mubi and Cakarel to address their ties to the firm. The CEO also further explained, as part of his and his company's stance, that the Sequoia partner, Shaun Maguire, does not have the authority or resources to allocate the investment funds, nor do they stand with any of his views.

“He has no involvement with our company operationally, strategically or in any capacity." Efe Cakarel clarified, adding “We neither support nor endorse Shaun’s views, and we have voiced our strong concerns about his public statements directly to Sequoia.”

And further sternly stated that "Sequoia has minimal involvement in MUBI."

In the correspondence, the Mubi CEO also showcased his sympathy and grievances for the Gazan people, as well as spoke about how he has reflected over the past few weeks on all that is happening around.

"I’ve spent these weeks in deep reflection, talking with our team, filmmakers, producers, and partners around the world. We have been exploring how to take thoughtful and decisive action while upholding the values that have always guided us."

He further added, "What’s happening in Gaza is unbelievably tragic and devastating. The loss of civilian lives, including thousands of children, the destruction of homes, hospitals, and cultural institutions, and the deliberate targeting of an entire population’s ability to survive and thrive are unconscionable."

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Efe Cakarel's letter and Mubi's new policies

Furthermore, Efe announces three changes the company is making after the controversy. It is establishing an Ethical Funding and Investment Policy, which will be published on Friday, August 15, for public consultation and feedback, before a final policy is released on October 15, 2025.

"We are formalizing an Ethical Funding and Investment Policy that will set clear criteria for future funding partners, establish safeguards that separate investor interests from editorial and commissioning decisions, and outline a process to review and address any concerns that arise. The policy will be published on August 15, 2025 for public consultation, inviting feedback from filmmakers, artists, audiences, festivals, civil-society groups, and all who care about MUBI’s mission. We will review all submissions and publish the final policy on October 15, 2025. "

Secondly, the streaming company is establishing an independent Artists Advisory Council of filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices, which will in turn share advice on the Ethical Funding and Investment Policy.

"We are also forming an independent Artists Advisory Council, to be established by September 15, 2025. This group will include filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices from different regions alongside a human-rights due-diligence expert. It will advise on the Ethical Funding and Investment Policy, endorse the final policy, and continue on an ongoing basis to provide independent guidance on matters relating to MUBI’s values and responsibilities."

And lastly, Mubi is establishing an Artists At Risk Fund for commissions, residencies and restoration projects, which, according to the letter, will be administered by an independent panel, and its full details will be announced by October 30, 2025.

"Separately, we are expanding our support for artists at risk through a dedicated Artists At Risk Fund. Over the next three years, we will fund commissions, residencies, and restoration projects administered at arm’s length by an independent panel, focusing on filmmakers working under conflict, displacement, or censorship, including Palestinian filmmakers. Full details will be provided by October 30, 2025."

Efe Cakarel concluded with,

"Looking ahead, we remain committed to the same mission that has guided us for the past 18 years: elevating great cinema and making it accessible to audiences around the globe. We will continue to champion bold and diverse voices, stay true to the values that define us, and ensure that exceptional filmmaking reaches the widest possible audience."

Mubi is best known for releasing The Substance in 2024 and will reportedly bring Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia to the Venice Film Festival.