Sequoia partners reportedly blindsided when Roelof Botha joined SpaceX board

In Brief Posted: 11:51 AM PST · November 8, 2026 Anthony Ha Sequoia partners reportedly blindsided when Roelof Botha joined SpaceX board Sequoia Capital announced some major changes this week, including the closure of its London office, the merger of its early-stage and growth teams, and the end of its Scouts program . Now, the Financial Times has published a report painting all of this as an attempt to undo the legacy of former leader Roelof Botha, who stepped down as the firm’s steward last year . An unnamed source told the FT that Botha “loved process and hierarchy,” while “the rest of the team didn’t.” Apparently, not everyone is on-board with the changes, with another source firing back that this seems like an “erasure of Sequoia’s heritage, not Roelof’s legacy.” The break between Botha and his old firm reportedly deepened after Botha joined the SpaceX board this summer. (Botha and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk previously worked together at PayPal.) A source told the FT that Sequoia’s partners were blindsided by the announcement, because Botha “didn’t ask compliance, he didn’t get sign off from the partnership” — even though his new role could complicate the firm’s ability to trade its $20 billion stake. A Sequoia spokesperson said that the firm continues to “collaborate closely” with Botha. Topics roelof botha , Sequoia Capital , Venture November 4 Boston Buy One Pass, Get a Second Free Cover more ground at TechCrunch’s ultimate founder bootcamp of the year by bringing your co-founder or partner for free Book before the BOGO deal expires Register Now Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news TechCrunch Daily News Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight. Startups Weekly Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly. StrictlyVC Provides movers and shakers with the info they need to start their day. No newsletters selected. Subscribe By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . Related AI Nvidia will investigate CEO Jensen Huang’s relationship with possible Chinese spy Anthony Ha 9 hours ago Venture He arrested a hacker, then spent 18 months clearing his own name. Now he’s a cybersecurity VC. Connie Loizos 12 hours ago Government & Policy After the midterms, things are looking rocky for Elon Musk and data centers Anthony Ha 1 day ago Latest in Venture In Brief Sequoia partners reportedly blindsided when Roelof Botha joined SpaceX board Anthony Ha 10 hours ago Venture He arrested a hacker, then spent 18 months clearing his own name. Now he’s a cybersecurity VC. Connie Loizos 12 hours ago Venture Sequoia shutting down its Scouts program marks the end of an era Anna Heim 2 days ago