Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, and a prominent global investor in seed, early and growth-stage startups. The firm backs companies across sectors including information technology, healthcare, financial services, energy, internet, mobile and enterprise software, often aiming to be a first investor and partner in fast-growing, proven teams. It pursues opportunities domestically in the United States and internationally in markets such as India, China and Israel, funding rounds spanning seed to growth with flexible investment sizes. Sequoia supports ambitious founders to push boundaries and build enduring companies.

Abheek Anand

Managing Director

Michelle Bailhe

Partner

Sumaiya Balbale

COO and Operating Partner

Bogomil Balkansky

Partner

Julien Bek

Partner

Past deals in Publishing

Rigi

Series A in 2022
Rigi is a creator-focused company that assists content creators and influencers with growing, managing, and monetizing their communities. Rigi allows creators of all levels to begin earning revenue. Rigi's automated features free users from the hassle of manual tasks, allowing them to concentrate on creating content. Rigi was founded in 2021 with the goal of enabling India's ever-growing creator economy.

Callin

Series A in 2021
Callin is a social podcasting app that allows users to create, discover, and enjoy both live and recorded audio content in a single platform. The app combines social audio features with traditional podcasting, enabling users to record, edit, publish, and share their audio content effortlessly. By providing a seamless experience for audio content creation and consumption, Callin aims to enhance the way users engage with podcasts and live audio discussions.

MUSINSA

Venture Round in 2021
Musinsa Co., Ltd. is a fashion-focused company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2012. It operates both online and offline, offering a diverse range of products that include apparel, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and more. Musinsa serves as a platform for various brands, including subculture, national, and global sports brands, providing customers with curated content, styling pictorials, and information on fashion trends. The company emphasizes customer engagement by allowing users to interact with brands and access personalized curation and storytelling. Additionally, Musinsa publishes an online fashion web magazine that showcases product information and brand highlights, further enriching the fashion culture and consumption experience in the Korean market.

MUSINSA

Venture Round in 2019
Musinsa Co., Ltd. is a fashion-focused company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2012. It operates both online and offline, offering a diverse range of products that include apparel, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and more. Musinsa serves as a platform for various brands, including subculture, national, and global sports brands, providing customers with curated content, styling pictorials, and information on fashion trends. The company emphasizes customer engagement by allowing users to interact with brands and access personalized curation and storytelling. Additionally, Musinsa publishes an online fashion web magazine that showcases product information and brand highlights, further enriching the fashion culture and consumption experience in the Korean market.

Inside.com

Venture Round in 2019
Inside.com is a digital media company that publishes email newsletters and operates an online platform for subscribing to subject-matter newsletters across technology, politics, business, cities, entertainment, lifestyle, and sports. It delivers daily roundups and analysis of the latest news and trends in business, tech, and venture capital, and supports podcasts and virtual events. The platform curates news, deep dives on topics, and founder interviews to help entrepreneurs, creators, and executives stay informed and inspired. Through a subscription-based model, Inside.com provides timely insights and a broad range of coverage from around the world, aiming to keep readers ahead of developments in multiple industries. The company is based in Culver City, California, and has operated since 2006.

Kuaikan Manhua

Series C in 2017
Kuaikan Manhua is an online and mobile platform for original online comic artwork targeting young readers. Founded in 2014, Kuaikan Manhua is a comic-reading platform and community of interest that is popular among users. As of January 2019, the total number of users of the comics app is over 170 million, and the monthly users are over 40 million, and the market share in the comics market is more than half*. Kuaikan World’s vision is to build an ideal ecosystem of cultural-entertainment in the future, as well as bring happiness to the world. Kuaikan aims to help comic creators to create more widely-popular comics with positive, energetic and warm contents to millions of users.

Inkling Systems

Series E in 2016
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Pocket Gems

Series B in 2015
Pocket Gems, Inc., founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing free-to-play social games for mobile devices. The company distributes its games through major app platforms, including Apple’s App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore. With a team of over 200 employees, Pocket Gems aims to create engaging and graphically rich mobile entertainment, leveraging innovative technologies such as its proprietary Mantis Engine. The company's offerings have garnered significant popularity, with over 270 million downloads worldwide. Notable products include Episode, a mobile storytelling network, and War Dragons, a 3D real-time strategy game. Pocket Gems is committed to enhancing user experiences by incorporating player feedback into its development processes.

Inkling Systems

Series D in 2015
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Whisper

Series C in 2014
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

Trippy

Series A in 2014
Trippy, Inc. is a travel information platform based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011. It serves as a community-driven resource where travelers can ask questions and share experiences about various destinations. The platform encourages users to seek advice on accommodations, attractions, and activities, fostering a supportive environment aimed at enhancing travel experiences. Trippy was founded by J.R. Johnson, who previously led the successful growth of VirtualTourist.com and OneTime.com before their acquisition by Expedia. The company aims to inspire users by promoting a sense of community and the joy of helping others through shared travel insights.

Whisper

Series B in 2013
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

Inkling Systems

Series C in 2013
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Instagram

Series B in 2012
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. It enables users to capture, edit with custom filters, and share content on various social networks. The platform facilitates user-generated content and targeted advertising, helping businesses connect with younger demographics.

Trippy

Venture Round in 2011
Trippy, Inc. is a travel information platform based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011. It serves as a community-driven resource where travelers can ask questions and share experiences about various destinations. The platform encourages users to seek advice on accommodations, attractions, and activities, fostering a supportive environment aimed at enhancing travel experiences. Trippy was founded by J.R. Johnson, who previously led the successful growth of VirtualTourist.com and OneTime.com before their acquisition by Expedia. The company aims to inspire users by promoting a sense of community and the joy of helping others through shared travel insights.

Inkling Systems

Series B in 2011
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Humble Bundle

Venture Round in 2011
Humble Bundle, Inc. is an online distribution platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in March 2010 by Jeffrey Rosen and John Graham. The company specializes in selling video games, ebooks, software, and other digital content through a unique pay-what-you-want model, allowing customers to determine their purchase price and allocate funds among content creators, charity, and the platform itself. This innovative approach has attracted over 7 million customers and facilitated the raising of more than $75 million for charitable causes. Humble Bundle’s offerings are compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems, enabling users to download, back up, and install content for offline play. As of October 2017, Humble Bundle operates as a subsidiary of j2 Global, Inc.

POPSUGAR

Venture Round in 2011
POPSUGAR is a global lifestyle brand catering to women aged 18-40. It offers updates, trends, and tips across entertainment, fashion, parenting, fitness, food, and news, along with original video content and shopping experiences. POPSUGAR also enables brands to reach consumers through custom content solutions.

Inkling Systems

Series A in 2011
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Pocket Gems

Series A in 2010
Pocket Gems, Inc., founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing free-to-play social games for mobile devices. The company distributes its games through major app platforms, including Apple’s App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore. With a team of over 200 employees, Pocket Gems aims to create engaging and graphically rich mobile entertainment, leveraging innovative technologies such as its proprietary Mantis Engine. The company's offerings have garnered significant popularity, with over 270 million downloads worldwide. Notable products include Episode, a mobile storytelling network, and War Dragons, a 3D real-time strategy game. Pocket Gems is committed to enhancing user experiences by incorporating player feedback into its development processes.

Inkling Systems

Series A in 2010
Inkling Systems, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in cloud publishing platforms designed to create and publish interactive content. Its primary offerings include Inkling Knowledge, a mobile workforce enablement platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of training materials; Inkling Notices, which allows users to share updates and analyze engagement with field workers; Inkling Collaboration, a platform aimed at enhancing in-store execution through connectivity among frontline employees; and Learning Pathways, which guides employees through training processes while enabling managers to track and verify skills. Inkling's solutions cater to various sectors, including field reference, sales enablement, retail operations, training, and franchise operations. Founded in 2009 and originally named Standard Nine Inc., the company rebranded to Inkling Systems, Inc. in June 2011.

Taomee Holdings

Series A in 2009
Taomee Holdings, established in 2007 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a children's entertainment and media company. It operates through two segments: Online Business and Offline Business. The Online Business segment develops and provides online virtual worlds, mobile games, and applications, along with other online entertainment services. This includes platforms like v.61.com and ben10.61.com, offering animation series, games, and interactive content based on its franchises. The Offline Business segment focuses on merchandise licensing, publishing, and distribution of interactive toys, as well as the development of media and entertainment products, animation, toys, films, and self-branded TV shows. Taomee Holdings aims to create fun, safe, and trusted entertainment experiences for children aged 5 to 15, with iconic characters like Mole's World and Seer reaching over 100 million children through its online communities.

POPSUGAR

Series C in 2009
POPSUGAR is a global lifestyle brand catering to women aged 18-40. It offers updates, trends, and tips across entertainment, fashion, parenting, fitness, food, and news, along with original video content and shopping experiences. POPSUGAR also enables brands to reach consumers through custom content solutions.

51wan

Series A in 2008
51wan is a company dedicated to the research and development, operation, and service of professional web games and entertainment services. Established on August 1, 2007, it has played a pioneering role in the Chinese web game industry, being the first to launch a dedicated web game platform through partnerships with major internet companies such as Sina, Baidu, and Tencent. In addition to catering to the domestic market, 51wan has focused on exporting Chinese web game products internationally. The company offers browser-based games, engages users through a digital entertainment interactive community, and provides mobile value-added services, positioning itself as a significant player in the online gaming sector.

Funny or Die

Series B in 2007
Funny or Die, Inc. is a comedy video website that launched in 2007 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Japan, Madagascar, and Bahn. The platform allows a diverse array of users, including celebrities, established and emerging comedians, as well as regular individuals, to upload humorous content such as videos, articles, and images. It aims to provide a curated experience by enabling users to vote on the content, distinguishing what is considered funny from what should be disregarded. The website utilizes a proprietary player that can be embedded on other sites, enhancing its reach and accessibility.

Osen

Series A in 2007
Osen Media is a professional railway media that focuses on channel media operations. Its primary focus is advertising, and it owns three magazines, Lvban, Baolin and Lvbao, which are targeted at high-speed railway passengers as well as airline passengers. On February 28, 2011, Osen Media was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Sugar Publishing

Seed Round in 2007
Sugar Publishing San Francisco-based blog publisher.

POPSUGAR

Series B in 2007
POPSUGAR is a global lifestyle brand catering to women aged 18-40. It offers updates, trends, and tips across entertainment, fashion, parenting, fitness, food, and news, along with original video content and shopping experiences. POPSUGAR also enables brands to reach consumers through custom content solutions.

Minglebox

Series A in 2007
Minglebox.com is a prominent online education portal in India, designed to assist students and young professionals in navigating their educational journeys. Founded by a group of alumni from prestigious Indian institutions, the platform provides comprehensive resources, including information on colleges, courses, admissions, and test preparation. Minglebox.com caters to a diverse range of educational segments, such as MBA, engineering, vocational training, and study abroad opportunities. The platform is recognized for its user-friendly approach, enabling students to make informed decisions regarding their education. It has successfully attracted a significant user base from over 250 cities across the country and has been acknowledged as the leading educational website in India, with a unique status among the top-ranked websites as measured by Comscore. Initially conceived as a social networking platform tailored for college campuses, Minglebox has evolved into a vital resource for educational guidance, fostering close-knit communities among users while offering a wealth of content related to higher education.

Funny or Die

Series A in 2007
Funny or Die, Inc. is a comedy video website that launched in 2007 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Japan, Madagascar, and Bahn. The platform allows a diverse array of users, including celebrities, established and emerging comedians, as well as regular individuals, to upload humorous content such as videos, articles, and images. It aims to provide a curated experience by enabling users to vote on the content, distinguishing what is considered funny from what should be disregarded. The website utilizes a proprietary player that can be embedded on other sites, enhancing its reach and accessibility.

Printo

Seed Round in 2007
Printo operates an online platform offering customized printing services for businesses and individuals. Their product range includes visiting cards, brochures, business cards, greeting cards, marketing collaterals, gift products, and more. They deliver across India, serving major cities and towns.

Mahalo

Series B in 2007
Mahalo is a human-powered search engine founded by entrepreneur Jason Calacanis. It differentiates itself by generating search results through a team of profile builders who create detailed pages for approximately 10,000 unique queries, with plans to expand to 25,000 queries. The search results are non-algorithmic, resulting in deep and useful content, although the process is slower than automated engines. For queries without a dedicated page, Mahalo supplements results with information from Google. The layout combines elements of traditional search engines and Wikipedia, with factual information provided alongside categorized links. Users can submit their own links for consideration, which are voted on before publication. Despite its slow growth due to the manual curation process, Mahalo functions without revenue for several years, positioning itself as an alternative to major search engines and knowledge-sharing platforms.

POPSUGAR

Series A in 2006
POPSUGAR is a global lifestyle brand catering to women aged 18-40. It offers updates, trends, and tips across entertainment, fashion, parenting, fitness, food, and news, along with original video content and shopping experiences. POPSUGAR also enables brands to reach consumers through custom content solutions.

Digital Chocolate

Series C in 2006
Digital Chocolate is a video game developer and publisher that focuses on creating casual and social games for various platforms, including the web, Facebook, and mobile phones. The company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Finland, Spain, India, and Mexico. In addition to mobile games, Digital Chocolate has developed applications that cater to users interested in fashion and business simulation. The company also offers games specifically designed for the Microsoft gaming console, showcasing its diverse portfolio within the gaming industry.

The Times Of India

Venture Round in 2006
The Times of India is an English language daily newspaper with a national circulation, published in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. Covering a wide range of topics such as business, technology, sports, entertainment, travel, and real estate, the newspaper traces its origins back to 1838 when it was known as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce. Originally catering to the British residents of western India, the publication transitioned to a daily format in 1851 and was eventually renamed The Times of India in 1861.

Mahalo

Series A in 2006
Mahalo is a human-powered search engine founded by entrepreneur Jason Calacanis. It differentiates itself by generating search results through a team of profile builders who create detailed pages for approximately 10,000 unique queries, with plans to expand to 25,000 queries. The search results are non-algorithmic, resulting in deep and useful content, although the process is slower than automated engines. For queries without a dedicated page, Mahalo supplements results with information from Google. The layout combines elements of traditional search engines and Wikipedia, with factual information provided alongside categorized links. Users can submit their own links for consideration, which are voted on before publication. Despite its slow growth due to the manual curation process, Mahalo functions without revenue for several years, positioning itself as an alternative to major search engines and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Digital Chocolate

Series B in 2004
Digital Chocolate is a video game developer and publisher that focuses on creating casual and social games for various platforms, including the web, Facebook, and mobile phones. The company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Finland, Spain, India, and Mexico. In addition to mobile games, Digital Chocolate has developed applications that cater to users interested in fashion and business simulation. The company also offers games specifically designed for the Microsoft gaming console, showcasing its diverse portfolio within the gaming industry.

Digital Chocolate

Series A in 2004
Digital Chocolate is a video game developer and publisher that focuses on creating casual and social games for various platforms, including the web, Facebook, and mobile phones. The company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Finland, Spain, India, and Mexico. In addition to mobile games, Digital Chocolate has developed applications that cater to users interested in fashion and business simulation. The company also offers games specifically designed for the Microsoft gaming console, showcasing its diverse portfolio within the gaming industry.

Atom Entertainment

Series A in 2001
Atom Entertainment aggregates and distributes casual games, short films, animations, and other digital entertainment across various platforms. It collaborates with independent creators to publish engaging, accessible content tailored to diverse audiences.

MyPrimeTime

Venture Round in 2000
MyPrimeTime, Inc. is a media company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1999. It specializes in creating and distributing diverse content across various platforms, including print, broadcast television, radio, the internet, and wireless media. The company focuses on producing television and radio programming that addresses topics related to family, finance, health, work, and leisure, while also providing web content, tools, and interactive services. MyPrimeTime aggregates a range of authors, speakers, consultants, and talent, facilitating a community for adults seeking guidance on life's significant transitions. Additionally, it offers e-commerce solutions, selling books, travel products, and consumer goods through its website. The firm aims to empower individuals to customize their self-improvement journeys through interactive media, catering primarily to an audience aged 35 to 54.

VA Linux Systems

Venture Round in 1998
VA Linux Systems was a software developer that owned the online retailer known as ThinkGeek. Prior to that, it operated as a systems-hardware business. The company acquired Andover.net, merging SourceForge.net, Linux.com, Slashdot, and other well-known Open Source Internet sites to form the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). It was established in 1993, based in Mountain View, California.

Yahoo

Series B in 1995
Yahoo is a media technology company that connects people with their passions through a web portal and ecosystem of services. It offers a full-stack platform for businesses to reach audiences across advertising, search, and media, and operates core consumer products such as Yahoo Search, Yahoo Mail, and Yahoo News. The company provides advertising and media solutions that cover entertainment, finance, sports, shopping, and games, supporting publishers and advertisers with tools for content discovery and user engagement. Based in New York, Yahoo combines internet services, technology, and consumer experiences to facilitate online advertising, information discovery, and interoperable digital services for users and partners.

Yahoo

Series A in 1995
Yahoo is a media technology company that connects people with their passions through a web portal and ecosystem of services. It offers a full-stack platform for businesses to reach audiences across advertising, search, and media, and operates core consumer products such as Yahoo Search, Yahoo Mail, and Yahoo News. The company provides advertising and media solutions that cover entertainment, finance, sports, shopping, and games, supporting publishers and advertisers with tools for content discovery and user engagement. Based in New York, Yahoo combines internet services, technology, and consumer experiences to facilitate online advertising, information discovery, and interoperable digital services for users and partners.

Electronic Arts

Series A in 1982
Electronic Arts is a global developer and publisher of computer and video games and related online services for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It designs, licenses, markets, and distributes games across genres such as sports, shooter, action, role-playing, and simulation, with major franchises including Madden NFL, EA SPORTS FIFA, The Sims, Battlefield, Apex Legends, Need for Speed, Plants vs. Zombies, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and others. The company sells through digital distribution, retail channels, and direct-to-consumer platforms, and it licenses games to third parties for distribution and hosting. A significant portion of revenue comes from in-game spending and live services in addition to initial game sales. Electronic Arts operates globally, leveraging its development studios, publishing capabilities, and brand portfolio to sustain long-running franchises and online communities. The firm is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Atari

Venture Round in 1975
Atari is a global producer, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment software for various platforms including consoles, smartphones, PCs, web, and online. It operates in over 60 countries through international distribution networks and its official website.
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