Peak XV’s AI Investment Boss Harshjit Sethi Quits After Nearly a Decade — What’s Next?

Another Exit at Peak XV Partners

Peak XV Partners, one of India’s most prominent venture capital firms, has lost another senior leader. Harshjit Sethi, managing director and the man behind many of the firm’s AI and enterprise bets, has resigned after nearly ten years.

The move marks a major shift for the firm, which was rebranded from Sequoia India after its global split in June 2023. With Sethi’s departure, Peak XV loses a key figure who played an influential role in backing some of India’s most promising startups.

“A New Innings”

Confirming his exit, Sethi said, “I’ve decided to explore a new innings.” While details of his next move are not yet public, his statement hints at fresh opportunities, possibly in building something of his own or taking on a leadership role elsewhere in the startup ecosystem.

For now, he will serve out a period of gardening leave before formally stepping away from the firm.

From Sequoia to Peak XV

Sethi began his investment career at Sequoia India, which later rebranded as Peak XV Partners after the high-profile split from Sequoia Capital. Over the years, he built a reputation for identifying and backing some of the most promising names in India’s fintech and software sectors.

Some of his early contributions included supporting fintech companies such as:

• BharatPe
• Turtlemint
• Bright Money
• smallcase

These investments positioned him as a key player in India’s rapidly evolving financial services ecosystem.

Betting Big on AI and Enterprise Software

As the Indian startup ecosystem matured, Sethi expanded his focus to enterprise software and artificial intelligence. His portfolio in this space includes:

• Darwinbox (HR tech unicorn)
• Enterpret (AI-powered feedback analytics)
• RapidCanvas (AI enterprise platform)

He was also closely involved in Apna, the fast-growing jobs marketplace connecting millions of blue-collar workers to employers.

These moves cemented his role as one of the most forward-looking investors at Peak XV, particularly as AI emerged as a transformative force in global tech.

What His Exit Means for Peak XV

Sethi’s departure comes at a time when Peak XV is reshaping its strategy post-rebrand. The firm has been doubling down on growth-stage investments while maintaining its strong early-stage pipeline. Losing one of its key managing directors, particularly in the high-stakes AI sector, could create a leadership gap.

Industry watchers believe the exit will spark curiosity around who will lead the firm’s AI bets going forward, especially as competition among venture funds in India continues to heat up.

The Bigger Picture: A Wave of Exits

Sethi’s resignation isn’t an isolated event. Peak XV has seen multiple senior-level departures in the last year, a reflection of the shifting dynamics in the VC world. With global funding winters, rising investor scrutiny, and increased founder expectations, venture firms are being forced to adapt.

For executives like Sethi, the changing environment could also open the door to new opportunities—whether that means launching independent funds, building startups, or joining founders in operational roles.

What’s Next for Harshjit Sethi?

While Sethi hasn’t revealed his plans, the possibilities are wide open. With nearly a decade of experience and a portfolio that spans fintech, SaaS, and AI, he could easily step into:

• Launching his own fund focused on AI and enterprise tech.
• Joining a late-stage startup as a strategic leader.
• Building his own venture in the fast-growing AI ecosystem.

Given the buzz around AI globally, many believe his next innings will keep him at the center of this wave.

A Chapter Ends, Another Begins

Harshjit Sethi’s resignation marks the end of an era at Peak XV Partners. For nearly a decade, he shaped the firm’s AI and fintech bets, backed some of India’s most exciting startups, and helped redefine how venture capital approached emerging technologies.

As he steps away to explore his “new innings,” all eyes will be on where he goes next—and how Peak XV reshapes its strategy in the wake of his exit.

One thing is certain: Sethi’s journey in the startup world is far from over. If anything, it’s just entering a new phase.