Key Takeaways
- • Rockbridge Network, a US political venture capital network co-founded in 2019 by J.D. Vance and Chris Buskirk, has been reported to be setting up operations in Brazil ahead of the Oct. 25, 2026 presidential runoff, according to Folha de S.Paulo and Intercept Brasil documents.
- • A confidential document addressed to Flávio Bolsonaro proposed a Technology Council of 23 business leaders, 19 of them foreign, framed as "a campaign tool" and "a platform for government"; there is no evidence the material reached the candidate and several listed companies deny being consulted.
- • Rockbridge's Brazil company, Rockbridge Brazil LLC, was registered in Wyoming in May, and the network claims the initiative never moved forward and never received funds.
- • Brazilian election law bans foreign donations to campaigns, but no public evidence shows Rockbridge money reached Bolsonaro's campaign; the article argues influence can flow through access, consulting and networks rather than transfers.
- • The first round on Oct. 4 showed Flávio Bolsonaro at 47.03% against 45.16% for Lula, a margin of just over 2.2 million votes, with early runoff polls showing a virtual tie.
Summary
Rockbridge Network, founded in 2019 by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Chris Buskirk, editor of American Greatness, describes itself as "a kind of political venture capital firm" and has been reported to have a budget of about US$75 million for the 2024 cycle, according to Reuters. Its structure includes entities that do not disclose donors, and reported funders include Peter Thiel and Rebekah Mercer. Since the 2024 Republican victory, the network has served as a bridge between donors and the administration. It launched a South Korean branch in September 2025.
On Sept. 25, 2026, Folha de S.Paulo reported that Rockbridge had begun setting up operations in Brazil, with documents obtained by Intercept Brasil detailing the project. An April 2026 business plan described a "political venture capital fund" financed by members' dues to target the press, universities and the legislature. A separate unsigned document proposed a Technology Council to advise Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign on sectors including defense, energy, data centers and rare earths. Businessman Pedro Sang, named in the document as executive director of the Brazilian operation, told The Intercept the council "was just an idea that never took off." Tallis Gomes, founder of Easy Taxi, said on a podcast that he was part of Rockbridge; he later described it as a networking group. Allies of the candidate told Folha on Oct. 1 that network-linked businesspeople produced reports and consulting services for the campaign.
Rockbridge initially denied Brazil plans before acknowledging Rockbridge Brazil LLC, registered in Wyoming in May, and says it never received funds or operated. Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign denies receiving foreign funds. Renan Santos, a former Missão presidential candidate, alleged without evidence that the campaign was receiving indirect network money, prompting petitions to the STF and the TSE by Workers' Party figures. The article notes courts are unlikely to conclude any investigation before the runoff.
The article argues the influence question extends beyond money. It cites programmatic access to Vance's circle, tariffs of up to 37.5% on part of Brazil's exports since July, and rare earth cooperation as possible campaign value, and it warns that the arrangement could also become a sovereignty issue for Lula's campaign, which has already accused Trump of seeking to "colonize" Brazil.
On Sept. 25, 2026, Folha de S.Paulo reported that Rockbridge had begun setting up operations in Brazil, with documents obtained by Intercept Brasil detailing the project. An April 2026 business plan described a "political venture capital fund" financed by members' dues to target the press, universities and the legislature. A separate unsigned document proposed a Technology Council to advise Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign on sectors including defense, energy, data centers and rare earths. Businessman Pedro Sang, named in the document as executive director of the Brazilian operation, told The Intercept the council "was just an idea that never took off." Tallis Gomes, founder of Easy Taxi, said on a podcast that he was part of Rockbridge; he later described it as a networking group. Allies of the candidate told Folha on Oct. 1 that network-linked businesspeople produced reports and consulting services for the campaign.
Rockbridge initially denied Brazil plans before acknowledging Rockbridge Brazil LLC, registered in Wyoming in May, and says it never received funds or operated. Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign denies receiving foreign funds. Renan Santos, a former Missão presidential candidate, alleged without evidence that the campaign was receiving indirect network money, prompting petitions to the STF and the TSE by Workers' Party figures. The article notes courts are unlikely to conclude any investigation before the runoff.
The article argues the influence question extends beyond money. It cites programmatic access to Vance's circle, tariffs of up to 37.5% on part of Brazil's exports since July, and rare earth cooperation as possible campaign value, and it warns that the arrangement could also become a sovereignty issue for Lula's campaign, which has already accused Trump of seeking to "colonize" Brazil.
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