Peak XV Takes Startups on a Transformative Silicon Valley Journey to Boost AI Innovation

Peak XV, the venture capital firm that separated from Sequoia Capital last year, is organizing an “Immersion Week” trip for its portfolio companies from India, Southeast Asia, and Australia in Silicon Valley this week. This initiative allows founders to connect with industry leaders while showcasing Peak XV's expanding network and offerings.

Around 60 founders, many supported by Peak XV’s influential Surge program, will accompany firm partners on this trip. They will engage with top executives and explore AI research centers, as highlighted by sources privy to the details.

The itinerary features strategy sessions with leaders from OpenAI and Nvidia, as well as insights from Sequoia partner Doug Leone. Participants will also benefit from presentations by seasoned entrepreneurs such as Uniphore CEO Umesh Sachdev and DoorDash advisor Gokul Rajaram, according to an internal email shared with portfolio startups.

This “Immersion Week” aligns with Peak XV’s growing strategy to go beyond merely investing, especially as competition intensifies among venture firms eager to tap into emerging AI startups worldwide. India's vibrant startup ecosystem currently faces challenges in the deep tech and AI sectors, with few companies developing foundational large language models. One notable example is Sarvam AI, which raised $41 million last year, led by Peak XV and Lightspeed India, and recently secured a partnership with Microsoft.

Investors believe that many Indian startups are now strategizing on developing new capabilities and seeking international customers. An initiative like “Immersion” could be pivotal in helping them achieve these goals.

Peak XV’s latest Surge cohort comprises 77% AI and deep tech startups, emphasizing the firm's commitment to supporting innovative sectors. With $2.5 billion available for investment in the region, Peak XV has been proactive in building its capabilities and networking efforts since its split last year.

Although Peak XV did not respond to a comment request on Monday morning, the firm informed founders via email over the weekend that the trip would concentrate on “building world-class products” and providing “insights into the AI landscape.” Leading the week are Peak XV managing directors Shailendra Singh, Rajan Anandan, Harshjit Sethi, and Ashish Agrawal, along with Surge partner Pieter Kemps, as noted by insiders.