For those who don't like to read articles, the one in the parent comment says:
"Y Combinator says that the investment by Sequoia and the angels won’t change how they do business (other a projected increase in the number of investments). The new investors won’t get any special investment rights in the new startups, or have any obligation to invest further in them."
Having talked with one of the founders of the startups listed in this article, the reason Sequoia led their round is because Sequoia "got" their idea - they instantly understood the product, the business, and why it would be a big hit - and then moved quickly to invest, getting a term sheet to them within a week of Demo Days. Other VC firms hemmed and hawed and said "Well, maybe once you show more traction", and that's why they missed out on those billions. Sequoia didn't have preferential access, just better decision-making.
that's true and they are impressive - and I know that because one of my previous Companies got a term sheet from them and they made their decision super fast.
"Y Combinator says that the investment by Sequoia and the angels won’t change how they do business (other a projected increase in the number of investments). The new investors won’t get any special investment rights in the new startups, or have any obligation to invest further in them."
Having talked with one of the founders of the startups listed in this article, the reason Sequoia led their round is because Sequoia "got" their idea - they instantly understood the product, the business, and why it would be a big hit - and then moved quickly to invest, getting a term sheet to them within a week of Demo Days. Other VC firms hemmed and hawed and said "Well, maybe once you show more traction", and that's why they missed out on those billions. Sequoia didn't have preferential access, just better decision-making.