"The entrepreneurs behind the entrepreneurs"
Sequoia Capital looks for companies that can become legendary, defining categories and transforming industries. They evaluate the complete narrative: from problem identification through market dynamics to long-term vision. Sequoia partners think in decades, not quarters, and they're looking for founders who can articulate why now is the moment for their company to exist.
"The best companies are built on secrets, things that are true that most people don't believe yet."
The most important question. What has changed that makes this the right moment for this company?
Sequoia seeks companies that will be remembered for generations, not just successful exits.
Founders must have a unique advantage or insight in their market.
The mission should be simple enough to explain in one sentence.
Clarity on market timing and catalytic change
Size and trajectory of total addressable market
Clarity and ambition of long-term company vision
Defensibility and sustainable advantage
Caliber and track record of founding team
Plain-English definitions for the jargon Sequoia Capital investors lean on most.
Other glossary entries link back to Sequoia Capital through their related terms, jump straight to the definitions that reference this framework.
How Sequoia Capital weighs each of the slides investors weigh hardest, long-form deep dives.
Visionary with unique market insight, capable of building a generational company
$1M-$100M+ (seed to growth)
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