San Francisco 'March for Billionaires' Organizer Says Event Is Real

Startup co-founder Derik Kauffman launched the event to oppose a proposed state tax on billionaires.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 'March for Billionaires' planned for Saturday in San Francisco that raised eyebrows online earlier this week is for real, according to the event's organizer, Derik Kauffman. Kauffman, a startup co-founder, says he launched the event in part to oppose a proposed state tax on billionaires and because he feels the billionaire class has been unnecessarily vilified.

Why it matters

The proposed billionaire tax in California has faced opposition from some, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who fear it could drive wealthy individuals and their businesses out of the state. The 'March for Billionaires' aims to show appreciation for billionaires' contributions and push back against the growing negative sentiment toward them.

The details

Kauffman, who previously co-founded an AI startup called RunRL, confirmed the details of the event to the San Francisco Examiner. He acknowledged that some billionaires have done bad things, but believes the criticisms should be applied to individuals, not the billionaire class as a whole. Kauffman, who aspires to be a billionaire himself but doesn't think he'll ever actually become one, organized the march to show that billionaires' contributions are appreciated.

  • The 'March for Billionaires' is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Derik Kauffman

The co-founder of an artificial intelligence startup called RunRL who organized the 'March for Billionaires' event in San Francisco.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has opposed the proposed state tax on billionaires.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Vilifying billionaires is popular. Losing them is expensive,'”

— Derik Kauffman, Event Organizer (San Francisco Examiner)

What’s next

The march is scheduled to begin with a meet-up at Alta Plaza Park in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood, before heading down Fillmore Street to a rally at Civic Center across from City Hall at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing debate around the role of billionaires in society and the potential economic consequences of policies aimed at taxing or vilifying the ultra-wealthy. It also demonstrates how some individuals, like Kauffman, are willing to organize in defense of billionaires' contributions, even if their views are considered unconventional.