SamVed Ventures

Overview

SamVed Ventures positions itself as a partner to founders rather than solely a financial investor. Its team brings experience across venture investing, technology, marketplaces, financial services, and startup operations.

The firm's investment philosophy centres on backing entrepreneurs who use technology to address large market opportunities. It aims to help portfolio companies through hands-on support in technology, go-to-market strategy, and operations.

SamVed also offers an in-house CTO advantage, giving portfolio companies access to technical expertise as they develop and scale their products. Its network includes customers, policymakers, regulators, and business partners across India and international markets.

Investment Focus and Stage

SamVed follows an early-stage investment strategy, with a focus on technology-enabled businesses and solutions that can improve productivity and access to services.

Its investment thesis covers several areas:

• Agritech: Technology solutions for precision farming, agricultural supply chains, market access, and financial services for rural economies.
• Healthcare: Digital health platforms, telemedicine, health records, diagnostics, and preventive healthcare.
• Credit and Fintech: Digital lending, payments, credit scoring, and financial inclusion solutions.
• Education and Upskilling: Platforms supporting skill development, workforce training, and online learning.
• Supply Chain: Logistics technology, inventory management, B2B marketplaces, and last-mile solutions.
• AI-powered Solutions: Applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and data analytics to improve productivity.

The firm's investment stages range from Pre-Seed to Series A. Its stated cheque sizes are:

• Pre-Seed: US$80,000–US$120,000
• Pre-Series A and Series A: US$250,000–US$1 million

SamVed looks for businesses with a growing user base, defensible competitive advantages, scalable business models, and clear unit economics. It also emphasises founder expertise, execution capabilities, and a strong understanding of the market being addressed.

Fund Size and Portfolio

SamVed's invested in six companies in its SamVed Fund 1 portfolio:

• Gullak Money: A fintech platform focused on helping middle-income households manage savings and investments through digital wealth-management products.
• UnORG: A B2B marketplace streamlining procurement and supply chains for India's unorganised food sector, including street-food vendors, roadside eateries, and sweet shops.
• FarmDidi: A technology-led food brand working with rural women and self-help groups to produce and distribute traditional food products.
• Harajuku Tokyo Café: A Japanese-inspired casual dining and quick-service restaurant brand expanding its presence in India.
• OneStack: A digital banking technology platform enabling cooperative banks to offer modern banking services, including UPI, mobile banking, payments, and lending solutions.
• Quicklly: A North American marketplace for South Asian groceries, meals, and food experiences, helping independent stores reach customers online.

The firm also maintains a separate SamVed Team Portfolio. This includes investments made individually by team members or through sub-team participation and should not be treated as the portfolio of SamVed Fund 1.

SamVed announced a US$50 million inaugural fund in its launch coverage.

Leadership

SamVed's leadership combines experience in venture capital, technology, financial services, and startup building.

Amit Srivastava – Partner: A former investor at Bridgewater Associates, Amit brings experience in global investing, investment analysis, and portfolio management.

Shanti Mohan – Partner: Founder of LetsVenture, Shanti has experience in India's startup funding ecosystem and the structuring of private-market investments.