Sequoia Scout Program
Scout Program
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Sequoia Scout Program
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Scout Program
Launched in 2009, the Sequoia Scout Program is the archetype for modern venture‑scouting networks. Each year Sequoia quietly allocates small pools of capital, typically USD 100 000 to USD 1 million, to several hundred trusted “scouts” who invest on the firm’s behalf. Scouts range from repeat founders and early employees at breakout startups to domain‑expert operators, recent Sequoia Fellows and select angels around the globe.
Scouts are empowered to source and back companies at the earliest stages, usually with checks between USD 25 000 and USD 100 000 written on founder‑friendly SAFEs or convertible notes. They work autonomously but have direct lines to Sequoia partners for diligence, term‑sheet guidance and follow‑on consideration. Quarterly virtual summits feature portfolio deep dives, market‑thesis workshops and peer knowledge‑sharing, while an annual in‑person retreat in the Bay Area connects scouts with Sequoia’s extended founder family.
The program’s impact is extraordinary: since inception, scouts have identified more than 1 000 startups, including Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Nubank, Canva and Notion. Combined equity value of scout‑sourced companies exceeds USD 200 billion, and dozens have graduated to core Sequoia funds. The model also seeds the next generation of investors—over 150 alumni now run their own funds or serve as partners at tier‑one firms.
Participation is invitation‑only. Sequoia seeks people with authentic, often underestimated access to founders: student‑community leaders, product engineers in emerging ecosystems, repeat founders solving new problems or influential online‑community builders. The firm deliberately keeps requirements light so scouts can invest opportunistically without bureaucratic friction.
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Sequoia Capital is an American venture capital firm.The firm is headquartered in Menlo Park, California and mainly focuses on the technology industry.It has backed companies that now control $1.4 trillion of combined stock market value, equivalent to 22 percent of Nasdaq.Notable companies that Sequoia invested in early on include Apple, Google, Oracle, Youtube, Instagram, Zoom, WhatsApp, Linkedin, and Paypal.
Sequoia has been regarded as one of the top venture capital firms in the world, managing multiple investment funds including funds specific to India & Southeast Asia,Israel,and China, in addition to the US.The firm has offices in Menlo Park, Singapore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, London and Tel Aviv.
Sequoia partners and senior scouts nominate prospective scouts based on demonstrated founder access, investment judgment and community influence. Candidates hold one to two informal calls with Sequoia team members before receiving a capital allocation, standard carry agreement and onboarding materials. There is no open application or fixed cohort size; new scouts are onboarded continuously.
Scouts invest Sequoia’s money and receive a share of Sequoia’s GP carried interest on the specific deals they originate (commonly 10–20 percent of the fund’s carry for that deal). They owe no capital commitments, management fees or clawbacks, and may co‑invest personal funds at founder discretion.
The program is evergreen rather than cohort‑based. A typical journey is:
There are no fixed hours. Most scouts spend 3–5 hours a week meeting founders, writing short memos and joining the quarterly summit call. Scouts can pause activity at any time or recycle capital after an exit.
The program is fully distributed; scouts operate from their home geographies and interact with Sequoia via Slack, email and quarterly Zoom summits. Optional retreats occur in Menlo Park and other global hubs.
What is the Sequoia Scout Program?
A remote, invite‑only network where trusted operators invest Sequoia capital into promising early‑stage startups and share in the upside.
How does the Sequoia scout program work?
In its first phase, Sequoia chose 20 technology founders a small fund allocation that they could invest as they see fit. The idea was for those scouts to invest in other founders in their network. The scouts were chosen directly by Sequoia. Since then the program has continued in different iterations. The Sequoia scout program is invite-only and doesn't have an open application process.
How are Sequoia scouts compensated?
The initial Sequoia scout program worked on a carry-share model. Each scout would get 45% of the carry whereas a 5% portion would go in a pool for the 19 other scouts to benefit from. Sequoia on the other hand would get the remaining 50% carry in each of the scout's investments.
Is the Sequoia scout program available in Europe?
Yes, it is available in Europe.
How can one apply to be a Sequoia Scout?
Unlike other scout programs the Sequoia scout program doesn't have an open application process and scouts are chosen based on an existing relationship with the firm.
Who are notable Sequoia scouts?
One notable Sequoia scout is Jason Calacanis who used part of his Sequoia scout allowance to make an early-stage investment in Uber. Another notable Sequoia scout who you may have heard of is Sam Altman who was at one point the president of Y Combinator and who invested a portion of his Sequoia fund in Stripe. There are many others who have joined the program since.
Who manages the Sequoia scout program?
A dedicated team at Sequoia (unaffiliated) manages the program.
How much capital does each scout manage?
Allocations vary, typically USD 100 000 to USD 1 million, refreshed as previous deals return capital or need follow‑on.
Do scouts need prior investing experience?
No. The program values authentic founder access and product insight over formal finance training;
Is geographic location a constraint?
No. Scouts operate globally and may invest in any jurisdiction where Sequoia can legally participate.
How are investment decisions made?
Scouts can commit capital unilaterally within their allocation; they share a brief memo afterward for compliance and potential follow‑on discussion.
What economics do scouts receive?
Scouts typically earn 10–20 percent of Sequoia’s carry on each sourced deal; returns are paid when Sequoia realizes proceeds.
Does Sequoia publish scout names?
No. Many scouts operate anonymously to avoid signaling; disclosure is at participant discretion.
How do I become a scout?
There is no public application. Build founder relationships, demonstrate product insight and engage with Sequoia partners or existing scouts who may extend an invitation.
Ten years ago, Sequoia Capital began quietly encouraging founders of its portfolio companies to consider which of their founder friends they might like to get behind financially.
Founders are extraordinarily busy, even for their own investors. A decade ago, they might have had relationships with a handful of VC partners as they scaled their businesses and raised additional rounds of capital.
The famed scout programme from US VC firm Sequoia has launched in Europe. We meet the scouts.
Sequoia Capital has funneled millions of dollars to scores of well-connected entrepreneurs and academics, who invest and look for ideas.
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