Guo’s Conviction Partners Adds Mike Vernal as GP and Raises a $230M Fund
From Greylock to Conviction: Sarah Guo’s AI Power Play
Back in mid-2022, Sarah Guo made waves when she left Greylock to launch her own AI-focused fund, Conviction Partners. She didn’t just slap “Partners” on the name for show—she meant business. Fast forward to today, and Guo’s vision is coming to life in a BIG way. Enter Mike Vernal, a heavyweight investor and former Sequoia partner, who’s joining Conviction as a General Partner. Oh, and did we mention? Conviction just closed its second fund with a jaw-dropping $230 million—more than double its $101 million debut fund. 🚀
Why This Move is a Game-Changer
Let’s break it down:
- Sarah Guo’s Rise: Over the past two years, Guo has cemented herself as one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent AI investors. Her portfolio includes stakes in Mistral, Harvey, and Sierra—companies that are shaping the future of AI. Plus, she co-hosts the wildly popular AI podcast “No Priors” with star investor Elad Gil. Talk about influence.
- Mike Vernal’s Track Record: Vernal isn’t just any investor. He spent nearly seven years at Sequoia and eight years at Facebook as VP of Product and Engineering. His deal sheet includes Notion, Rippling, and Verkada—a security camera startup reportedly raising funding at a $4.5 billion valuation. This guy knows how to spot winners.
“Conviction isn’t just building a fund—it’s building a movement. With Sarah and Mike at the helm, this is a team that’s poised to dominate the AI investment landscape.”
— Industry Insider
What This Means for the AI Ecosystem
This isn’t just about two powerhouse investors joining forces. It’s about the future of AI innovation. With $230 million in fresh capital, Conviction is doubling down on its mission to back the next generation of AI pioneers. And with Vernal’s expertise in scaling companies and Guo’s knack for identifying groundbreaking tech, the possibilities are endless.
The Takeaway
Conviction Partners isn’t just another VC firm—it’s a force to be reckoned with. With Guo and Vernal leading the charge, this fund is set to redefine what’s possible in AI investment. Buckle up, because the future of AI just got a whole lot more exciting.
