Sequoia Capital, a leading venture capital firm, has announced a significant leadership transition. Roelof Botha, who has served as the firm’s Senior Steward since mid-2022, is stepping down from his role. Partners Alfred Lin and Pat Grady will succeed him as co-Stewards, marking a new chapter in Sequoia’s storied history.
Alfred Lin’s Journey at Sequoia
Alfred Lin joined Sequoia in 2010, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure as COO, CFO, and Chairman at Zappos. At Sequoia, Lin has been instrumental in leading investments in transformative companies such as Airbnb, DoorDash, and Kalshi. His strategic vision and operational expertise have been pivotal in guiding these companies to success.
Pat Grady’s Contributions
Pat Grady has been a part of Sequoia for nearly 19 years, focusing on growth-stage investments since 2015. His portfolio includes significant investments in companies like ServiceNow, OpenAI, and the legal AI platform Harvey. Grady’s keen insight into scaling businesses has been a valuable asset to Sequoia’s investment strategy.
Roelof Botha’s Tenure
Roelof Botha assumed leadership of Sequoia’s U.S. and European operations in 2017 and became Senior Steward in mid-2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the distribution of $50 billion to the firm’s limited partners. Botha’s leadership coincided with a challenging period marked by market downturns and strategic shifts.
Navigating Market Challenges
Botha’s leadership was tested during a significant market downturn that affected public markets and led to reduced valuations across Sequoia’s portfolio. The firm also faced a $200 million loss from its investment in the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Additionally, in 2023, Sequoia spun off its India and China operations into separate independent firms amid growing political tensions and regulatory pressures.
Internal Controversies
In 2025, Sequoia faced internal challenges when partner Shaun Maguire made controversial comments about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, leading to significant online backlash. The firm’s decision not to discipline Maguire resulted in the resignation of COO Sumaiya Balbale, a practicing Muslim, highlighting the complexities of managing internal dynamics within the firm.
Leadership Philosophy
During a discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt, Botha emphasized the collaborative nature of Sequoia’s leadership. He stated, My title is steward for a reason — it’s just a notch above ‘usher’ in the dictionary, underscoring the firm’s commitment to collective decision-making and the importance of diverse perspectives within the partnership.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Alfred Lin and Pat Grady as co-Stewards signifies Sequoia’s dedication to evolving its leadership to meet the demands of the ever-changing venture capital landscape. Their combined experience and proven track records position them well to guide Sequoia into its next phase of growth and innovation.
Sequoia’s Legacy and Future
Sequoia Capital has a long-standing tradition of adapting to industry changes while maintaining its core mission of supporting visionary founders. The firm’s ability to navigate leadership transitions and market challenges speaks to its resilience and commitment to excellence in venture capital.
Conclusion
As Sequoia Capital embarks on this new chapter with Alfred Lin and Pat Grady at the helm, the firm continues to exemplify leadership and adaptability in the venture capital industry. Their stewardship is expected to uphold Sequoia’s legacy of identifying and nurturing groundbreaking companies that shape the future.
