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Roelof Botha

South African actuary, venture capitalist and company director

Roelof Botha is a prominent South African actuary and venture capitalist, currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors at mmhmm, a startup focused on video communication tools. He is also a partner at Sequoia Capital, where he has been instrumental in several high-profile investments in technology companies.

Education and Early Career

Botha earned a B.Sc. in Actuarial Science, Economics, and Statistics from the University of Cape Town in 1996. He began his career as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company before moving to the United States, where he completed his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In 2000, he joined PayPal as the Director of Corporate Development, eventually becoming the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2001, leading the company through its IPO and subsequent acquisition by eBay in 2002.134

Venture Capital Career

After leaving PayPal, Botha joined Sequoia Capital in 2003. Over the years, he has led investments in several successful companies, including YouTube, Instagram, MongoDB, Square, and Unity Technologies. He became a significant figure in the venture capital space, recognized for his ability to identify and nurture promising startups. In 2022, he was appointed as the Senior Steward of Sequoia's global operations, overseeing its U.S. and European business.135

Board Memberships

In addition to his role at mmhmm, Botha serves on the boards of various companies, including MongoDB, 23andMe, Natera, and Unity Technologies. His extensive experience in the tech industry and his strategic insight have made him a sought-after board member in the venture capital community.245

Personal Life

Roelof Botha is married and has a daughter. He is known for his contributions to the venture capital field and has been recognized multiple times on the Forbes Midas List, which ranks top venture capitalists based on their investment success.35

Highlights

Apr 26 · The Next Web
Sequoia is giving away the hardware for an AI project it cannot invest in. That is the point.
Sequoia is giving away the hardware for an AI project it cannot invest in. That is the point.
Apr 26 · twitter

Use AI as a sparring partner, not as a substitute https://t.co/WWEACQdNbv

Apr 17 · The Next Web
Sequoia raises $7 billion for its biggest-ever late-stage fund
Sequoia raises $7 billion for its biggest-ever late-stage fund
Dec 10 · twitter

What a fabulous conversation between @jaltma, @Alfred_Lin and @gradypb! I’m excited for @sequoia’s future.

Mar 28 · youtube.com
Fireside Chat: Roelof Botha (Sequoia Capital) on AI & Visual Tech ...
Fireside Chat: Roelof Botha (Sequoia Capital) on AI & Visual Tech ...
Apr 4 · forbes.com
VC Heavyweight Sequoia Names Roelof Botha As New Global Leader
VC Heavyweight Sequoia Names Roelof Botha As New Global Leader

Related Questions

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Roelof Botha
Roelof Botha, photo 1
Roelof Botha, photo 2
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Location

Menlo Park, California, United States