Skip to main content

TechCrunch has confirmed that Sequoia will be closing its Washington D.C. office and parting ways with its policy team by the end of March.

This move comes as a contrast to other major VC firms in Silicon Valley, which are currently strengthening their connections with Capitol Hill and the Trump administration. For instance, Andreessen Horowitz has been expanding its policy team, with several partners taking on roles in the White House. The firm recently hired former Republican congressman Patrick McHenry as an advisor, as reported here.

Sequoia initially opened its D.C. office five years ago to provide support to companies dealing with regulatory issues and to foster relationships with policymakers. According to a statement from a Sequoia spokesperson, the policy team’s efforts have been successful in bolstering these relationships, and as a result, “Sequoia is now well-positioned to carry these relationships in the U.S. and Europe forward.”

The spokesperson further explained that due to the team’s strategic guidance, “we are sunsetting the dedicated policy function and closing our D.C. office at the end of March.” The firm expressed gratitude to the team for their contributions and impact.

Sources have informed Fortune, which first reported this news, that the changes will affect the policy fellows as well as three full-time employees.

Although Sequoia generally maintains a neutral political stance, some of its partners have publicly expressed their political views. Notably, Shaun Maguire, a partner at the firm, is a vocal supporter of President Trump and has been involved in screening candidates for the administration, reportedly.


Source Link