Inside Sequoia’s Strategy: Alfred Lin on Company Building & Partnering Long-term

In this episode of Sorcery, Chris Power interviews Alfred Lin from Sequoia Capital, focusing on Lin's investment strategies and his support for founders. Lin emphasizes identifying and partnering with "outlier founders" who possess unique insights and a desire to change the world, detailing how Sequoia acts as "shock observers" during tough times and "sparring partners" during successes. The conversation explores specific companies in Lin's portfolio, such as Kalshi and Zipline, highlighting the importance of adapting to challenges and the nuances of revenue quality, distinguishing between experimental, pilot, and recurring revenue. Lin also addresses the pressures of rapid growth in the current tech landscape, advocating for sustainable, quality growth over chasing quick revenue milestones and focusing on underlying metrics like engagement and retention.