Pitch guide
How to pitch Sequoia Capital
Partnering with daring founders since 1972.
Quick facts
- Type
- Check size
- Stages
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Sequoia Capital's actual focus. They invest in AI, SaaS, Fintech, Consumer, Enterprise. They're most active at seed, series a, series b, series c, growth stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Sequoia Capital works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Apple, Google, WhatsApp — companies Sequoia Capital backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Sequoia Capital on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sequoia Capital invest in?
Sequoia Capital focuses on AI, SaaS, Fintech, Consumer, Enterprise. Geography: USA, Global.
What stages does Sequoia Capital invest at?
Sequoia Capital primarily invests at seed, series a, series b, series c, growth stage.
What's a typical check size from Sequoia Capital?
Sequoia Capital writes checks of $500K–$200M+.
Where is Sequoia Capital based?
Sequoia Capital is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA and was founded in 1972.
How do I contact Sequoia Capital?
The best way to reach Sequoia Capital is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.sequoiacap.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@sequoia).
What are Sequoia Capital's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Sequoia Capital include Apple, Google, WhatsApp, Zoom, Stripe.