A Sudden Exit That’s Turning Heads
The Indian startup world just got a shake-up. Harshjit Sethi, managing director at Peak XV Partners and one of the brains behind its biggest AI and fintech bets, has quit after almost 10 years at the firm.
For a man who helped steer investments into household startup names, the move raises one big question: why now, and what’s next?
“A New Innings” — But What Does That Mean?
In his farewell note, Sethi kept it short and mysterious: “I’ve decided to explore a new innings.”
That’s enough to spark plenty of speculation. Will he start his own fund? Jump into building a startup? Or join the boardroom of another unicorn?
For now, Sethi is serving out his gardening leave before formally walking away from the firm. But clearly, something big is brewing.
From Sequoia to Peak XV: The Journey
Sethi’s career has been closely tied to one of India’s most influential venture firms. He started at Sequoia India, which rebranded as Peak XV Partners after splitting from Sequoia Capital in 2023.
During his time, he backed fintech names that became industry heavyweights:
- BharatPe
- Turtlemint
- Bright Money
- smallcase
These early wins made him a key figure in India’s fintech growth story.
Betting Early on AI
While fintech gave him a strong foundation, Sethi didn’t stop there. He became one of the firm’s most prominent champions of enterprise software and artificial intelligence.
He spearheaded investments in:
- Darwinbox (HR tech unicorn)
- Enterpret (AI-powered analytics)
- RapidCanvas (AI enterprise platform)
He also played a major role in Apna, the jobs marketplace that quickly became one of India’s fastest-growing startups.
That focus on AI and software made him one of Peak XV’s most forward-looking voices—right as AI is exploding globally.
Why His Exit Stings for Peak XV
For Peak XV Partners, losing Sethi is no small deal. He wasn’t just another managing director—he was the guy leading the AI charge.
Now the firm faces tough questions:
- Who will lead AI bets going forward?
- Will this slow down Peak XV’s push in enterprise software?
- Could more senior exits be on the horizon?
The timing is especially tricky. Peak XV has been working hard to strengthen its identity post-rebrand, while also navigating a funding environment where investors are more cautious than ever.
A Pattern of Big Exits
Sethi isn’t the first senior executive to leave Peak XV in recent months. The venture capital world is in flux, with many seasoned leaders stepping down, launching their own funds, or moving closer to operators and founders.
For some, it’s the natural next step after years of investing. For others, it’s about chasing the next big wave—like AI.
What Could Be Next for Harshjit Sethi?
Here’s where the story gets juicy. With his track record, Sethi has options that most investors would dream of:
- Launch his own AI-focused venture fund – With his credibility, raising capital wouldn’t be a challenge.
- Join a fast-scaling startup – As a board member or strategic leader, he could shape the next unicorn from inside.
- Build his own company – With deep insights into AI and SaaS, starting up himself could be his boldest move yet.
Whichever path he chooses, one thing is certain—Sethi isn’t done making waves.
Why This Matters Beyond One Exit
Sethi’s resignation isn’t just about one person leaving a firm. It’s symbolic of the shifts happening in India’s venture capital landscape.
As AI takes center stage and startup funding becomes more competitive, the role of investors is evolving. Founders want more hands-on partners. Investors want to chase bigger, riskier bets. And leaders like Sethi are looking for their own “new innings” outside traditional VC firms.
A Door Closes, Another Opens
Harshjit Sethi’s exit leaves a void at Peak XV—but it also sets the stage for his next big chapter. After nearly a decade of shaping fintech, SaaS, and AI in India, his next move could be even bigger.
The question is: will he continue as an investor, step in as a builder, or surprise everyone with a completely different path?
For now, the Indian startup ecosystem is watching closely. Because when someone with Sethi’s track record says he’s starting a “new innings,” you know the game is about to change.
