Greenoaks Capital: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Greenoaks Capital is a prominent venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, known for its concentrated and long-term investments in technology-driven companies worldwide. Founded in 2012 by Neil Mehta and his colleague Benny Peretz, the firm has carved out a distinct niche by supporting generational teams building enduring technology businesses. Greenoaks invests primarily in internet-enabled and software companies, making substantial impacts on the growth trajectories of numerous startups and established firms alike. From e-commerce giants to blockchain innovators, Greenoaks' portfolio showcases a remarkable blend of forward-thinking investments with a focus on sustainable success. Below, we explore ten fascinating facets of Greenoaks Capital, revealing what makes this firm a pivotal player in global venture capital.

1. Origins and Founding Vision

Greenoaks Capital was founded in 2012 by Neil Mehta and Benny Peretz. The firm’s name originates from Greenoaks Avenue, the street in Atherton, California, where Mehta grew up. Initially setting out to back transformational technology companies, Greenoaks positioned itself with a long-term investment strategy, distinguishing itself from firms focusing on quick exits. This vision has helped build a reputation centered on investing in companies capable of defining entire markets or creating new technological paradigms.

2. Investment Philosophy and Strategy

Greenoaks deploys a concentrated investment approach, focusing on relatively few but large-scale investments in businesses they believe have strong, enduring prospects. The firm typically invests in companies that demonstrate generational potential rather than seeking rapid flips. By emphasizing long-term partnerships with founding teams, Greenoaks aims to support ventures through multiple growth phases, often participating in Series B and later funding rounds to fuel scale and expansion.

3. Notable Portfolio Companies

Over the years, Greenoaks has invested in many high-profile technology companies, including Coupang, a South Korean e-commerce giant; Robinhood, the well-known trading platform; Deliveroo, a food delivery service; and Wiz, a cloud security startup acquired by Alphabet. They have also backed firms like Toast, Rippling, and Oyo Rooms, reflecting a diverse and global portfolio across fintech, e-commerce, cloud, and enterprise software sectors.

4. Global Reach and Market Focus

While headquartered in San Francisco, Greenoaks Capital’s investments span globally. The firm has made significant bets in the U.S., Asia, and beyond, supporting companies that operate in diverse markets like Korea and India. Greenoaks’ global outlook allows it to identify emerging trends and technology companies that may be less visible to U.S.-centric investors, thus capturing opportunities driven by regional innovation and consumer behavior.

5. Leadership of Neil Mehta

Neil Mehta, co-founder and managing partner of Greenoaks Capital, is a key figure behind the firm’s success. An astute investor recognized for his foresight, Mehta has been featured repeatedly on the Forbes Midas List, ranking 9th in 2022. His background includes working at hedge funds and private equity before founding Greenoaks, and he remains actively involved in portfolio companies, often holding board seats. Mehta is known for his prudent risk management, including early warnings to portfolio companies about financial risks such as those posed by Silicon Valley Bank prior to its collapse in 2023.

6. Greenoaks’ Role in the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Warning

In late 2022, Neil Mehta and Greenoaks Capital proactively warned many of their portfolio companies about vulnerabilities at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), five months before the bank ultimately failed. Due to this warning, approximately a dozen companies collectively withdrew around $1 billion from SVB before the crisis intensified. This prescient move demonstrated Greenoaks’ vigilance and commitment to safeguarding its investments beyond standard market analysis.

7. Investment Scale and Fundraising

Greenoaks Capital typically invests in rounds often exceeding $100 million, underscoring its focus on large, impactful ventures. As of mid-2025, the firm manages multiple funds including their flagship opportunities fund, with assets under management in the billions. The company is known to participate in 2 to 6 investment rounds per year, emphasizing quality and strategic alignment. The firm has consistently raised follow-on funds indicating strong investor confidence in its ability to generate superior returns.

8. Influence and Impact on Portfolio Companies

Beyond capital, Greenoaks plays an active role in guiding its portfolio companies. The firm encourages sustainable growth strategies and innovation, enabling startups to navigate complex market challenges and scale globally. Its involvement in firms such as Carvana—a used car technology company—demonstrates Greenoaks’ capacity to back seemingly risky bets that later realize billion-dollar valuations.

9. Greenoaks Capital in Emerging Sectors: The Crypto and Blockchain Frontier

Recently, Greenoaks Capital has expanded into promising new sectors such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The firm led a $500 million Series A funding round for Tempo, a blockchain payments startup incubated by Stripe and Paradigm. This marks a strategic move into stablecoin infrastructure and crypto technology, highlighting Greenoaks’ willingness to fund startups at the intersection of fintech and blockchain, anticipating these sectors’ growing role in global finance.

10. Company Culture and Team Composition

Although a relatively small firm with between 11-50 employees, Greenoaks Capital cultivates a highly specialized team with expertise in technology investing, compliance, and fund management. Key partners and senior managers include professionals deeply embedded in the venture capital ecosystem. The company maintains a boutique investment culture focused on deep relationships with founders and long-term value creation rather than volume.

Conclusion

Greenoaks Capital has emerged as a formidable force in the venture capital landscape through its dedication to long-term, concentrated investments in transformative technology companies. Guided by founder Neil Mehta’s vision, the firm balances strategic risk-taking with prudent management, supporting some of the world’s most innovative startups across continents. Its evolution from a San Francisco-based fund to a global investor with interests spanning e-commerce, fintech, cloud security, and blockchain underscores its adaptive strength. As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, Greenoaks Capital is poised to remain at the forefront of supporting visionary companies. What groundbreaking companies will Greenoaks back next, and how will their investments shape the future of technology?