Sequoia Capital, Why So Bashful?
Like Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital prides itself on cultivating an air of mystique: it rarely releases information or talks to the press. That’s why the firm’s “RIP: Good Times” presentation - presumably meant to give cover to its partners and their portfolio companies – created such a stir.
Still, playing along with Sequoia’s mania for secrecy can be exhausting. Herewith, my most recent exchange:
From: [Name redacted]
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4:35 PM
To: Lawrence Aragon
Subject: Silicon Valley Fast 50 Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Valentine
Hi Lawrence,
Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 recognizes the 50 fastest-growing technology, media and entertainment, telecommunications and life sciences companies throughout the United States. A Lifetime Achievement award is presented each year on behalf of the current year’s Fast 50 winners to a venture capitalist who is a role model for the Silicon Valley entrepreneurial community.
This year, Deloitte is pleased to present the Silicon Valley Fast 50 Lifetime Achievement Award to Don Valentine, Sequoia Capital.
As the recipient of this award, Don is recognized as having a significant impact on the venture capital community and fostering the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. He’s not only recognized for successfully identifying, nurturing and encouraging numerous emerging companies, but also for the significant impact he has had on society and our community.
If you’re interested in hearing what this means for Don Valentine, he is available for comment and we can gladly coordinate.
Best,
Virginia
*********************************************************
From: Connie Loizos
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 3:00 PM
To: [Name Redacted]
Subject: Hello from VCJ
Hi, Virginia,
Larry asked me to contact you. We’d love to take you up on your offer to facilitate a meeting with Don Valentine over his lifetime achievement award from Deloitte.
I’m wondering if I might meet with Mr. Valentine in person for an hour, to talk about his career and his views on the future of the venture industry — as well as how concerned, or not, by the recession we find ourselves in. He’s obviously very much a hero to our readers; we’d love to run the Q&A as a cover story.
Best,
Connie
**************************************8
From: [Name Redacted]
Sent: Tue 10/21/2008 1:19 PM
To: Loizos, Connie
Subject: RE: Hello from VCJ
Hi Connie – thanks for getting in touch…Deloitte and Don will be thrilled by this opportunity.
I’m happy to coordinate an in-person meeting with Don – can you let me know the location of your offices as well as your availability for the next couple of weeks? I don’t have a view into his calendar at the moment, but that will help us lock-in a date. Any other logistics you can send in advance would also be a big help.
Feel free to give me a call to discuss further. You can always reach me directly at 212-XXX-XXXX.
**********************************************
From: Connie Loizos
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:46 PM
To: Virginia Chaves
Subject: RE: Hello from VCJ
Hi, Virginia,
Great. I’d love to meet Don at his office. Otherwise, if he wants to meet with me in the city, I work at Second and Bryant streets in San Francisco. And I’m happy to work around Don’s schedule. I just need a little notice.
Thanks very much again for your help,
Connie
*********************************************
From: [Name Redacted]
Sent: Tue 10/28/2008 4:43 PM
To: Loizos, Constance
Subject: RE: Hello from VCJ
Hi Connie,
Thanks again for the opportunity to feature Don Valentine on the cover of VCJ, on the heels of his Lifetime Achievement Award from Deloitte. Unfortunately, Don is no longer available to participate. I’d like to apologize for the inconvenience on behalf of Deloitte and Don, as this was truly unexpected.
Please let me know if you’re interested in learning more about Deloitte’s Fast 500. Again, I’m sorry we weren’t able to deliver the Q&A as promised and hope that we can work with you in the near future on this or other stories for VCJ.
Best,
Virginia
Related posts:
