Sequoia's Doug Leone on Building Enduring Companies in the AI Era | ElevenLabs Summit London 2026

Building enduring companies requires adhering to fundamental "laws of physics," such as aligning interests and distinguishing between immutable principles and flexible strategies. In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, adoption cycles are accelerating, necessitating faster execution and a shift toward global-first scaling. Founders should prioritize solving problems they have experienced firsthand rather than relying on external market research. When scaling, execution remains the primary driver of success, with strategy becoming increasingly relevant only after establishing a solid customer base. Transitioning to a public company serves primarily as a branding event to signal market maturity, requiring careful preparation of board structures and financial metrics well in advance. Throughout this process, the founder remains the heart and soul of the business, and maintaining grit while navigating growth is essential for long-term survival.