TechCrunch has announced a major addition to the lineup of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Roelof Botha, the global managing partner of Sequoia Capital—one of the world’s most influential venture capital firms—will take the stage as a featured speaker at the event, set to run October 27–29 in San Francisco. Botha’s appearance is highly anticipated, as he will offer rare insights into Sequoia’s investment strategy, the future of tech innovation, and how startups can navigate today’s volatile market—all from the perspective of a leader who has shaped some of the most successful companies of the past two decades.

As the head of Sequoia Capital, Botha oversees a global portfolio that includes household names and breakthrough startups alike, from Airbnb and Instacart to emerging players in AI, cleantech, and enterprise software. His career at Sequoia spans nearly 20 years, during which he has become known for his ability to identify transformative ideas early—such as his early investments in YouTube (acquired by Google in 2006) and PayPal (where he previously served as CFO before joining Sequoia). Under his leadership, Sequoia has expanded its focus beyond traditional tech to prioritize sectors addressing global challenges, including climate change, healthcare accessibility, and AI ethics—shifts that have positioned the firm to lead during a period of rapid industry change.

At Disrupt 2025, Botha will participate in a fireside chat moderated by TechCrunch’s Editor-at-Large, Connie Loizos. The conversation will dive into critical topics for startups and investors, including:

• Sequoia’s current investment thesis: How the firm evaluates early-stage startups in a market marked by tighter funding and greater emphasis on profitability.
• The rise of AI and deep tech: Botha’s take on which AI subsectors (e.g., generative AI, AI for enterprise, or foundation models) offer the most sustainable growth, and how startups can avoid “AI hype” to build lasting value.
• Lessons from market downturns: Drawing on his experience guiding Sequoia through multiple economic cycles (including the 2008 recession and 2022 tech slowdown), Botha will share advice for founders on preserving cash, scaling strategically, and staying resilient during uncertainty.
• Global expansion for startups: Sequoia’s recent push into markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Europe—and what founders need to know to succeed in international markets.

“Roelof Botha is not just a venture capitalist—he’s a student of innovation, with a track record of backing founders who redefine industries,” said TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Matthew Panzarino. “Disrupt is where startups go to learn from the best, and there’s no one better to offer guidance on building enduring companies than Roelof. His insights will be a highlight for every founder, investor, and builder in attendance.”

Botha’s session will also touch on Sequoia’s recent structural changes, including its 2023 shift to a “fundless” model for its U.S. operations (replacing traditional 10-year funds with a more flexible, permanent capital structure) and how this change has impacted its approach to long-term investing. He is expected to address the growing debate around venture capital’s role in tech—including criticism of excessive valuations and short-term thinking—and explain how Sequoia is adapting to meet evolving expectations from founders and limited partners (LPs).

In a brief statement ahead of the event, Botha emphasized his eagerness to engage with the Disrupt community. “Startups are the engine of innovation, but building one has never been more challenging—or more important,” he said. “Disrupt brings together the people who are shaping the future of tech, and I’m looking forward to sharing what Sequoia has learned over decades of partnering with founders, as well as hearing from the next generation of builders who will solve tomorrow’s problems.”

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets—including general admission, VIP passes, and exhibition slots—are still available, though early-bird pricing will end on September 15. Attendees can also register for exclusive pre-event workshops, including a session on “Crafting a Compelling Investor Pitch” led by Sequoia’s early-stage investment team.

With Botha’s addition, Disrupt 2025 cements its status as a must-attend event for anyone in the tech ecosystem. His talk promises to offer a rare window into the strategic mind of one of venture capital’s most respected leaders—and a roadmap for startups looking to thrive in an increasingly complex global market.