Sequoia’s Michael Moritz Q&A: Venture Capital Is ‘High-Risk Poker’

The technology investor isn’t turned off by controversy. Moritz says: “Have you met anyone who isn't controversial who's done really interesting things?”

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By Emily Chang

October 17, 2015 at 12:10 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

During the 2008 financial crisis, Sequoia Capital coined a phrase that neatly encapsulated the pain felt by its fellow venture capitalists and technology companies: "RIP Good Times." Michael Moritz, the firm's chairman and a British honorary knight, has been mulling over new ways to describe what's happening now.

The former journalist, who authored one of the first books about Apple and Steve Jobs called The Little Kingdom, has coming out a book co-written with Alex Ferguson, the former manager of storied English soccer club Manchester United and a fellow knight. Leading discusses the traits and management styles of strong leaders. Having spent time close to generations of Silicon Valley's brightest stars, Moritz has a thought or two on the topic.