Akshay Agarwal
“Sometimes all you have to do is put your head down, keep doing your work and wait for serendipity to do its magic.”
I come from a family of generational entrepreneurs where education wasn’t a major focus. Getting into IIT Bombay was a big milestone. There, I developed a firsthand appreciation for the “building from India for the world” thesis, even while teaching math to kids in the US at $20 an hour, which was more than I earned early in my career.
I joined Bain after college, where I worked with new economy companies and got my first exposure to startups. I didn’t fully believe in serendipity until I joined Sequoia India (now Peak XV) in 2020. Before interviewing, I knew very little about venture capital, and even less about growth investing.
Looking back, I feel fortunate that Peak XV took a chance on me and helped me discover what I truly enjoy. It’s given me the opportunity to work with a sharp team and exceptional founders who often challenge my assumptions.
Success is built in the margins, through small efforts compounded over time. Talent gets you to the starting line. Perseverance gets you across the finish. Like in F1, pole position helps, but the race is won across 50+ laps of relentless focus and the discipline to not crack when it matters most.
I’m drawn to founders obsessed with the problems they’re solving, building from lived experience, and aiming to create something enduring. I enjoy contributing in any way, from tactical discussions to long-term strategy. It’s a privilege to have a front-row seat to India’s startup ecosystem, and I’m excited to see many founders build lasting companies.

