SamVed VC, a new venture capital fund, has officially launched with a substantial $50 million fund aimed at supporting early-stage startups in financial services, healthcare, agritech, and e-commerce. This initiative is specifically designed to target the “India Two” demographic—a rapidly growing, 400-million-strong middle-income group that presents substantial growth potential. By focusing on this sector, the fund seeks to provide critical early-stage capital to startups and pre-Series A companies, offering investment amounts ranging from $80,000 to $1 million.
The fund has already made initial strides by investing in three startups that are addressing gaps in the market. These investments focus on innovative solutions for unorganized food vendors and the introduction of smart vending technologies targeting tier-II and tier-III cities. By supporting such ventures, SamVed VC aims to nurture businesses with scalable and impactful models, ultimately creating new economic opportunities in regions that are traditionally underserved.
SamVed VC is led by key figures with a rich background in both the venture capital and operational sectors. Amit Srivastava, the Managing Partner, brings a mission-driven focus to the fund, with a particular emphasis on tapping into the vast potential of the India Two demographic. His vision is to empower these communities with entrepreneurial opportunities that can drive economic and social progress.
Shanti Mohan, a seasoned expert in private markets, offers strategic guidance to the fund, ensuring that the investments made are not only financially viable but also aligned with broader market trends. Vivek Khare, a notable early investor in high-growth companies such as Zomato and Policybazaar.com, contributes valuable marketplace acumen, enhancing the fund’s ability to identify promising startups with long-term growth prospects. Additionally, Gagan Saksena, a former leader at Google, serves as the in-house CTO, bringing cutting-edge technological innovation to the fund’s operations and portfolio companies.
What sets SamVed VC apart from other players in the venture capital space is its operator-led model, which combines expertise in entrepreneurship with financial investment. This approach enables the fund to take a more hands-on role in guiding portfolio companies through their growth journey, ensuring that investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute to the social and economic upliftment of India’s middle-income groups.
As venture capital activity in India continues to increase, SamVed VC’s operator-led model stands out by focusing on both domestic investments and attracting global capital. The fund’s emphasis on impactful, scalable businesses aligns with the evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem. By fostering innovation in sectors like healthcare, agritech, and financial services, SamVed VC is well-positioned to play a transformative role in the growth of startups that cater to the needs of the underrepresented, middle-income population.
In a rapidly evolving venture capital landscape, SamVed VC’s commitment to economic impact, coupled with its strategic leadership team, makes it a strong player to watch. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to mature, this new fund aims to shape the future of business and innovation in the country. With a strategic focus on scalability, impact, and inclusivity, SamVed VC is not just funding companies—it’s investing in the future of India’s growth story.
