Ex-Sequoia Partner Amy Sun Raises $3.8M for Stealth Startup Daylight Labs
Former Sequoia Capital partner Amy Sun has swiftly secured $3.8 million in funding for her new venture, Daylight Labs, according to recent SEC filings. The startup, still in stealth mode, aims to empower gig economy workers with innovative tech solutions.
A Mission to Revolutionize Gig Work
Sun revealed to TechCrunch that Daylight Labs is developing a platform to help gig workers maximize their earnings. The idea took shape during the pandemic, as Sun observed how COVID-19 devastated multiple industries.
“How can you leverage technology to create new ways for people to earn a living?” she said. “We’re innovating on the actual format and product.”
While details remain scarce, the startup reflects Sun’s diverse expertise—from product management at Uber and Facebook to her venture capital role at Sequoia Capital.
A Career Built for Disruption
Early Beginnings at Microsoft and Uber
- Microsoft: Sun launched her career in product marketing, playing a key role in the Surface tablet rollout.
- Uber: As a founding member of the growth marketing team, she focused on driver acquisition, forging deep connections with gig workers.
- “Seeing technology enable instant earnings was eye-opening,” she noted, referencing Uber’s impact on local economies.
Facebook and the Rise of Stories
At Facebook, Sun led the Stories product team, scaling users from 2 million to 100 million. Though her work centered on consumer-facing AR and camera tech, its influence on Daylight Labs remains to be seen.
Venture Capital at Sequoia
Sun joined Sequoia in 2018 as the first woman on its growth-stage team, backing companies like Noom, Aurora, Glossier, and The Wing. She has since transitioned her board responsibilities to focus fully on Daylight Labs.
Why Leave Sequoia for a Startup?
Sun’s departure from Sequoia after just two years underscores her long-held ambition:
“Building a company has always been a dream.”
Since leaving, she’s embraced a nomadic lifestyle, working from San Francisco, Boston, North Carolina, and Austin—where Daylight Labs is now headquartered. Austin’s booming tech scene has attracted countless entrepreneurs, and Sun is the latest to join the migration.
What’s Next for Daylight Labs?
With funding secured and a clear mission, Sun’s next steps are highly anticipated. As the gig economy evolves—especially post-California’s Prop 22—Daylight Labs could redefine how workers thrive in a flexible labor market.
Stay tuned for updates as Sun prepares to unveil her vision.
Image Credit: Amy Sun
