The billionaires made a promise — now some want out

image via TechCrunch

March 16, 2026, 4:40 AM

• •The Giving Pledge, launched in 2010, faces a decline in participation, with fewer individuals signing up in recent years.
• •Peter Thiel is encouraging signatories to withdraw from the Pledge, critiquing its impact and the values it represents.
• •Some tech leaders are redefining their philanthropic approaches, while others remain committed to large-scale donations.
• •The situation underscores broader discussions about wealth concentration and the responsibilities of the wealthy in the face of rising inequality.

The Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world's wealthiest to donate a majority of their wealth, is experiencing a decline in participation, raising questions about the future of philanthropy. Peter Thiel, a prominent figure in the tech industry, is actively encouraging signatories to withdraw, citing a shift in values and concerns about the Pledge's influence. While some tech leaders are recalibrating their philanthropic efforts, others, like Bill Gates, remain committed to large-scale giving. This shift reflects a broader debate about the role of wealth and responsibility in a time of growing inequality.

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