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Independent Review

Sequoia One Review 2026

The PEO for venture-backed tech and life-sciences startups

Founded: 2001·Best for: 5–250 employees·Quote-only PEPM (premium tier)

Our take

Sequoia One is the PEO we recommend when a venture-backed tech or biotech company asks 'who handles equity comp properly?' Their expertise on option grants, cliff vesting, contractor-to-employee conversions, and IPO-readiness payroll is genuinely best-in-class. The price reflects the specialization. If your company is outside tech/life sciences, they probably won't be a good fit — and they may not even quote you.

What Sequoia One does well

  • Purpose-built for venture-backed tech and life sciences
  • Deep equity-compensation expertise (option grants, ISO/NSO, RSU)
  • SF/NYC tech-hub dominance
  • Strong benefits buying power for startups

Watch-outs and limitations

  • Narrow industry focus — declines outside tech/life sciences
  • Premium price tier
  • Less polished tech platform than Rippling

✓ Best for

Venture-backed tech startups (5–250 employees)

Life sciences and biotech

Companies with significant equity-comp programs

SF Bay Area / NYC tech hubs

⚠ Not ideal for

Blue-collar industries

Companies outside the tech / life-sciences vertical

Buyers wanting low-touch service

Our ratings

Technology platform4/5
Service quality4/5
Benefits access5/5
Compliance depth5/5

Quick facts

Founded
2001
Pricing model
Quote-only PEPM (premium tier)
Typical cost
Quote-only
Best company size
5–250 employees
Contract flexibility
Annual contracts.

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