# Sequoia ends its scouts program after 17 years

> Sequoia Capital shuts down the scout model it pioneered, signalling a shift in how venture firms source deals and manage their networks.
- Title: Sequoia ends its scouts program after 17 years · TechCrunch
- Summary: Sequoia Capital shuts down the scout model it pioneered, signalling a shift in how venture firms source deals and manage their networks.
- Keywords: sequoia capital, scout programs, venture capital, deal sourcing, andreessen horowitz, roxanne varza, station f, venture partners, TechCrunch
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/06/sequoia-shutting-down-its-scouts-program-marks-the-end-of-an-era
- Author: Anna Heim
- Published: 2026-11-07T05:01:54+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: sequoia capital, scout programs, venture capital, deal sourcing, andreessen horowitz, roxanne varza, station f, venture partners, technology, startups
## Sequoia shuts down scouts program
Sequoia Capital announced this week it is closing its scouts program and London office as part of a broad overhaul, according to a memo posted to X.
## Sequoia pioneered scouts 17 years ago
Sequoia created the scouts model 17 years ago, in which select founders and operators write checks on the firm's behalf. Many other VC firms copied the approach.
## Model has reached its limits
A consensus is emerging that the scouts model has reached its limits in its current form, though Sequoia framed the decision as part of a need for more focus.
## Critic questions scouts' value
VC Sheel Mohnot wrote on X that scouts never made sense to him. Scouts lack real investment incentive and firms still miss major deals like Uber, he said.

> They pioneered the scout program but [to be honest] it never made sense to me!
## Sequoia seeks more focus
Sequoia's goal of putting more energy behind fewer people and things likely resonates with others who questioned the spray and pray approach to scouting.
## Andreessen Horowitz revamps its model
Rival firm Andreessen Horowitz revamped its scout program to double down on the best people. Scouts now get more budget but the firm reduced their number.
## Scouts built careers and ecosystems
Station F boss Roxanne Varza, a Sequoia scout from 2020 to 2025, said scout programs helped aspiring investment managers build track records and relationships with funds.
## Scouts fostered European investment culture
Varza believes scout programs helped foster the investment culture and early-stage investment landscape now seen in Europe, contributing to broader ecosystem maturity.
## Why scouts may lose appeal
Seasoned operators get more financial upside as angels keeping their own returns. Leading VC firms are now well-known enough that top founders approach them directly.
## Venture partner deals likely to continue
Varza expects venture partner-style deals to continue even as Sequoia cuts its scouts program. Scouts was just one way to scale the format, she said.

> While Sequoia may be cutting the program, venture partner-style deals are likely to continue.
## Key takeaway

Sequoia Capital is closing its scouts program, a model it created 17 years ago, as venture firms rethink how they find and fund early-stage companies.