Sequoia will not only close its DC office at the end of March, but will also close some of its policy teams there, TechCrunch confirmed.
The news is a bit contrasting, along with other prominent Silicon Valley VC companies strengthening their ties between Capitol Hill and the new Trump administration. For example, Andreessen Horowitz is leaning towards the policy team as some of his partner roles in the White House. For example, I recently hired former Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry as an advisor.
Sequoia opened its DC office five years ago, supporting businesses with regulatory issues and deepening relationships with policymakers. In a statement to TechCrunch, a Sequoia spokesperson said that “sequoia is currently suited to advance these relationships in the US and Europe,” thanks to its policy team on the issue of strengthening relationships and knowledge, thanks to its “strategic guidance and efforts.”
“To that end, we have a dedicated policy feature set to sunset at the end of March and close our DC offices. We are grateful to our team for their contributions and impact,” the spokesman said.
The change will affect the company's policy fellows and three full-time employees, sources tell Fortune.
Sequoias are usually politically neutral, but their partners have previously expressed political views. In particular, the company's partner Sean Maguire is an outspoken supporter of President Trump and is reportedly helping screen Doge candidates.