Sequoia Capital posted on November 4, 2026 that it is closing its London office. The firm wrote: “We are closing our London office, which means several people will be leaving Sequoia. This is not about the team – they are excellent. We simply don’t see the need for a local presence. We believe that Europe will continue to produce outlier founders and companies, and that we can continue to provide world class support from our home base in the Bay Area.”
The move ends a physical presence that Sequoia Capital established in 2020.
What The Firm Said About Supporting Europe
The firm’s post framed the decision as part of a broader streamlining. It said it remains focused on high-conviction investing and believes it can back European companies effectively from the Bay Area. The London office had been its main European hub since Luciana Lixandru joined as its first partner in the region in September 2020.
Partners Who Are Staying In Europe
Julien Bek, a partner at Sequoia Capital, wrote on X the same day: “Sequoia is consolidating in the US. I’m staying in Europe. Time to build.” He noted that he has spent the past 10 years investing in European founders, including those at Revolut, Rillet, Attio, Dust, Miro and Melio Payments. He said he will continue supporting those founders and serving on his boards.
Luciana Lixandru, who co-leads Sequoia Capital’s US and Europe early-stage investing with Alfred Lin, also posted that she is remaining in Europe. She wrote: “My conviction on Europe hasn’t moved, and neither am I; when given the opportunity to move to San Francisco, I chose to stay here.” She ranks No. 46 on the 2026 Forbes Midas List.
European Venture Funding In 2026
European startups raised €44.1 billion across just over 1,740 deals in the first half of 2026, the lowest half-year deal count since 2020, according to PitchBook figures. Artificial intelligence accounted for 60.3% of European venture value in that period. Capital has concentrated in fewer, larger rounds.
Recent Sequoia Deals In Europe
Sequoia Capital has continued to invest in European companies. It led a roughly $62 million round in Stark in August 2025. Stark closed a €500 million Series C in June 2026 with Sequoia Capital and Founders Fund.
Bek’s post does not detail his next steps beyond continuing board work and supporting existing founders. “There’s more to build, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
Author: Grace Sharp
