In a surprising move, Shraeyansh Thakur, one of the key figures at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), has announced that he is leaving the venture capital
In a surprising move, Shraeyansh Thakur, one of the key figures at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), has announced that he is leaving the venture capital firm after almost a decade. Thakur, who has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem during his tenure, is now ready to embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey of his own.
Thakur’s departure is making waves in the venture capital world, especially since it’s just one of several high-profile exits from Peak XV in the past year. After nearly 10 years at the firm, Thakur has decided it’s time for a change, and he’s setting his sights on something entirely new.
In a LinkedIn post, Thakur shared his decision and expressed his excitement about starting his own venture. He revealed how inspired he was by the passion and determination of entrepreneurs he has worked with over the years. Thakur feels compelled to channel that energy into his own startup, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for him.
“I’ve learned so much from my incredible colleagues and partners at Peak XV, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities and insights that I’ve gained throughout my time here,” Thakur wrote. “The next 10 years could be India’s golden digital decade, and I’m excited to contribute in a new way.”
During his tenure at Peak XV, Thakur was instrumental in working with several notable startups. He served on the boards of Apna Mart and Cars24, and was also a board observer for the highly successful Meesho, an e-commerce unicorn. In addition to these big names, Thakur contributed to the growth of emerging startups like Atlys, Unacademy, Zetwerk, Urban Piper, and Bijnis.
His work at Peak XV helped foster the growth of many companies that are now household names, and his deep understanding of the startup ecosystem has positioned him as a prominent figure in venture capital. Thakur’s exit marks the end of an era at Peak XV, but also sets the stage for his next big move.
Thakur’s departure is not an isolated incident. Over the past year, several key players have left the firm, raising questions about the changes taking place within the organization.
In the past few months, Managing Directors Shailesh Lakhani and Abheek Anand stepped down after long tenures, while Surge Partner Anandamoy Roychowdhary left in November after more than a decade. Furthermore, Piyush Gupta, a former managing director, left to launch his own secondary-focused fund, Kenro Capital.
Despite these departures, the firm has also seen a return. Rishen Kapoor, the co-founder and CEO of SaaS startup Toplyne, has returned to Peak XV after closing his venture, offering some stability during these changes. Kapoor’s return indicates that Peak XV is adapting its strategy to meet new market realities and recalibrating its approach for future growth.
The wave of leadership changes comes alongside significant shifts in how Peak XV is managing its funds. The firm recently decided to reduce the size of its 2022 vintage fund by 16%, or around $465 million, in response to changing market conditions. This decision reflects the growing awareness in venture capital circles of the challenges posed by a richly priced public market in India.
In addition to adjusting its fund size, Peak XV has also modified its fee structure. The firm has moved to a standard 2% management fee and a 20% share of profits, which is a decrease from the previous 2.5% management fee and 30% carried interest. This restructuring aligns with the broader trend of venture firms revising their terms to better fit the current economic environment, while still focusing on backing seed and venture-stage opportunities.
While specific details about Thakur’s new startup remain unclear, it’s clear that his decision to leave Peak XV is driven by a deep-seated passion for entrepreneurship. Thakur has spent nearly a decade working with and investing in startups, and now it’s his turn to build something of his own. His firsthand experience in the venture capital world and his understanding of the startup ecosystem will no doubt give him a competitive edge as he begins this new chapter.
Thakur’s leadership and insights could potentially help him create a company that disrupts the market in the same way that the startups he has worked with have. As India continues to grow as a global tech hub, Thakur’s vision for the future could play a major role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The recent exits at Peak XV, including Thakur’s, have left some wondering what the future holds for the venture capital firm. However, Peak XV remains a major player in the industry, with a strong foundation built on successful investments and a growing network of entrepreneurs and innovators.
The firm’s recent strategic shifts, such as reducing fund sizes and adjusting management fees, indicate that it is adapting to the evolving market. And with the return of Rishen Kapoor and a focus on seed-stage opportunities, Peak XV is clearly recalibrating its approach to ensure future growth and success.
As for Shraeyansh Thakur, his entrepreneurial leap is one to watch closely. With his background and experience, he has the potential to build a successful startup that could rival the very companies he once helped to grow.
Thakur’s exit from Peak XV is yet another reminder of the dynamic nature of the venture capital and startup world. While his departure marks the end of a chapter at the firm, it also signals the beginning of a new journey for him—one that could bring fresh opportunities and innovative ideas to the table.
As Thakur sets off on his entrepreneurial journey, the Indian startup ecosystem will be watching closely to see how his vision unfolds. With his track record and deep understanding of what it takes to scale a business, it’s safe to say Thakur is primed to make a big impact on the next wave of startups in India and beyond.
