Uncapped with Jack Altman Uncapped #36 | Pat Grady & Alfred Lin from Sequoia
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Dec 9, 2025 
Pat Grady and Alfred Lin, partners at Sequoia Capital, share insights into their stewardship roles within one of venture capital's most revered firms. They discuss the importance of conviction over consensus in decision-making, revealing how embracing risk leads to outsized returns. The duo outlines their unique framework for investment, emphasizing freedom within structured methodologies. They also touch on the pivotal role of exceptional engineers and the necessity of cultivating genuine relationships with founders to foster trust and success.
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Conviction Trumps Consensus
- Consensus doesn't predict investment success; conviction does.
- Strong yeses and strong nos beat lukewarm consensus when making decisions.
Freedom Within Frameworks
- Sequoia operates as "freedom within frameworks" with shared specs and values.
- Partners get autonomy as long as capabilities and values align with the team.
Measure Inputs, Not Just Outcomes
- Measure inputs like sourcing, memo quality, and meeting selection, not just outcomes.
- Review values and capabilities regularly to find and fix broken links in the value chain.