Peak XV: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Peak XV Partners is a leading venture capital and growth investment firm based in Bengaluru, India, investing primarily across India, Southeast Asia, and other global markets. Formerly known as Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia, the rebranding to Peak XV in 2021 symbolizes a new chapter inspired by the original name used for Mount Everest, reflecting their ambition to build enduring, towering enterprises. Over nearly two decades, Peak XV has grown tremendously in capital size, portfolio, and global influence, supporting several startups that have matured into billion-dollar unicorns. This article explores ten key facets of Peak XV, shedding light on its history, investment focus, market impact, and recent developments.

1. Origin and Background

Peak XV Partners originated as Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia, part of the global Sequoia Capital family. The firm rebranded to Peak XV in 2021, marking a strategic and independent evolution. ‘Peak XV’ refers to the original name of Mount Everest, evoking a vision of reaching the pinnacle in building innovative, scalable businesses. Since inception over 17 years ago, the firm has managed over USD 9 billion across 13 funds and invested in more than 400 companies. This foundation reflects decades of expertise navigating fast-growing emerging markets.

2. Investment Focus and Strategy

Peak XV primarily targets early-stage and growth-stage investments, including Series A and Seed rounds, in technology-driven companies. Its portfolio spans diverse sectors such as consumer internet, fintech, enterprise software (SaaS), healthtech, digital entertainment, education technology, and mobility. With an emphasis on India and Southeast Asia, the firm seeks startups with scalable business models positioned to disrupt their markets. Average investment rounds range from $4.8 million in seed stages to roughly $24.8 million in Series B rounds.

3. Geographic Reach and Market Presence

While headquartered in Bengaluru, Peak XV’s footprint extends across 18 countries, focusing heavily on India and Southeast Asia but also investing in select startups in the United States and other regions. This multinational approach provides portfolio companies with access to diverse markets and cross-border scale-up opportunities. Over 400 companies have been funded, including 37 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion), demonstrating Peak XV’s influence and reach in the global startup ecosystem.

4. Portfolio Highlights and Unicorns

Peak XV’s impressive portfolio includes notable companies such as Shipper and Vasan Eye Care, among others that achieved significant revenue milestones exceeding $100 million. The firm backs innovative enterprises spanning logistics, fintech, health services, and AI-driven startups. Noteworthy is their support of AI startup Metaforms, which recently raised $9 million in funding led by Peak XV, aimed at revolutionizing market research through automation and AI-powered workflows.

5. Rebranding Impact and Organizational Evolution

The transformation from Sequoia Capital India & SEA to Peak XV Partners was not just cosmetic but involved strategic changes that repositioned the firm as an independent dominant player. The name evokes imagery of standing tall and inspiring greatness, reflecting a mission to support companies that endure and lead. However, this period saw significant leadership changes, including the departure of senior partners in 2025, reflecting some internal restructuring while preparing for the next phase of growth.

6. Role in the AI and Technology Boom

In 2025, Peak XV has increasingly focused on sectors fueled by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Investing in startups like Metaforms highlights their commitment to leveraging AI to transform industries like market research, digital services, and automation. This aligns with global venture capital trends prioritizing AI innovation as a key future growth driver, positioning Peak XV to back cutting-edge companies in fast-evolving domains.

7. Fund Size, Capital Managed, and Investment Activity

Peak XV manages more than $9 billion in capital, spread across 13 distinct funds. The firm has maintained robust activity levels, with an average of 30 new investments annually over the past decade, increasing to 50 investments in 2024. In 2025 alone, 32 new investments have been recorded by midyear. This sustained investment activity underscores Peak XV’s active role in nurturing startups and participating in multiple funding rounds.

8. Exits and Financial Performance

A critical success metric for venture capital firms is their ability to realize returns through exits such as IPOs and acquisitions. In 2024, Peak XV reported exits totaling approximately $1.5 billion, surpassing its investment outlays for the period. High-profile IPOs, including those of Meesho, Groww, and Pine Labs (where Peak XV is a major investor), are expected to significantly enhance the firm’s track record. The firm continues to navigate secondary share sales as some early investors seek liquidity.

9. Challenges and Leadership Changes

Despite a promising trajectory, Peak XV has faced internal challenges post-rebranding, including the 2025 departure of several key general partners, which are vital for founder relationships and deal sourcing. This turnover affected parts of its senior management and public policy teams, raising concerns within the venture ecosystem about continuity. Nevertheless, Peak XV continues to leverage its deep experience and capital to maintain momentum in a competitive venture capital market.

10. Vision for the Future and Market Position

Looking ahead, Peak XV aims to solidify its position as the premier venture capital firm in India and Southeast Asia, leveraging its deep regional knowledge and global connections. The firm aspires to continue backing transformative startups and pioneer innovations in AI, fintech, healthtech, and more. With significant capital reserves and a broad portfolio, Peak XV plans to capitalize on ongoing digital transformation trends and disruptive technologies to deliver outsized returns and build lasting business legacies.

Conclusion

Peak XV Partners has emerged as a powerhouse in venture capital, evolving from its Sequoia Capital roots to strike its own identity and carve a leadership space across India and Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystems. Managing billions in capital and a diverse portfolio of emerging unicorns, Peak XV exemplifies the dynamic nature of regional and global tech investment. Despite internal shifts and market challenges, its future-oriented focus on technology and innovation positions it well for continued influence. As startups and investors navigate the ever-changing business landscape, Peak XV’s journey underscores the importance of vision, execution, and resilience in venture capital.

References

  1. Peak XV Official Website
  2. Peak XV LinkedIn Profile
  3. Crunchbase - Peak XV Partners
  4. Tech in Asia: Peak XV Led $8.5M Series A in Sixsense
  5. Inc42: Metaforms Raises $9M from Peak XV
  6. Bloomberg Profile on Peak XV Partners
  7. The Ken - Article on Peak XV Changes
  8. Entrackr: Metaforms Raises $9M
  9. Livemint Report on Peak XV Exits
  10. Tracxn - Peak XV Partners Data