SamVed Beginnings: From Syndicates to Synergy

In the dynamic world of startups, the best ideas often emerge from unexpected connections. The story of SamVed is a testament to this — a venture born from the collective vision of seasoned investors, marketplace veterans, and tech experts coming together to create something truly unique. We call our creation SamVed.

At the heart of our fund lies the Sanskrit meaning of our name. "Sam" signifies "together" or "united," reflecting our collaborative approach to venture capital. "Ved" is derived from "Veda," meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom." Together, SamVed embodies our philosophy of harnessing collective wisdom to guide our investments and support India’s most innovative startups.

The Beginning of SamVed

SamVed was born out of a recognition of India’s transformative growth potential. With the country’s GDP projected to reach $10 trillion within the next decade, this is a pivotal moment to empower startups solving real-world problems for India’s expanding middle class and aspirational population.

The idea began with two active syndicate leads on LetsVenture, Vivek Khare and Amit Srivastava. As they invested together, they realized their shared ability to identify promising founders and connect them with emerging opportunities in the Indian market. This synergy sparked the idea of creating a fund.

Vivek, a marketplace veteran with invaluable experience from the core teams of Naukri and Jeevan Sathi, played a pivotal role. He has been a close friend, advisor, and mentor to me and LetsVenture, and it was Vivek who connected the dots, bringing the founding team together.

The concept of SamVed simmered for six months, often surfacing during casual chats and investment discussions. As I’ve always believed, ideas are like rivers—let them flow freely, and they will find their way to the ocean. You can either get lost in the vastness of that ocean or become as expansive as it is.

On June 5, 2024, we decided to meet and explore this idea further while Amit was in India. The chemistry among the team was instant and undeniable. That day, the abstract concept of SamVed began to take solid shape. Gagan Saksena, and Sudhi Herle, part of our investing circle, naturally extended this partnership.

Meet the SamVed Team

• Amit  Srivastava: A former investor at Bridgewater Associates, Amit combines global investment acumen with data-driven strategies to guide startups through competitive markets and ensure robust portfolio management. An IIT Kanpur and UPenn alum, Amit is the data-driven thinker of SamVed.
• Vivek Khare: The investor with the Midas touch in our  team. He has 2 multi baggers and startups that have IPO’d – Zomato and Policy Bazar. It clearly followed the Power law distribution on venture investing. Vivek has been with the core team of Naukri and Jeevan Saathi, where he built marketplaces, but more importantly built a keen eye for     understanding the complexities of scaling India businesses. Vivek is like our EIR at SamVed, where he will be the sounding board for founders, as they scale their business
• Gagan Saksena: A former Google leader and AI expert, Gagan specializes in building the technical foundations needed for startups to scale and innovate effectively. An IIT Kanpur and Wharton alum, Gagan’s unique blend of technical and design expertise strengthens our ability to make smart tech investments.
• Sudhi Herle: With close to 40 patents and extensive experience in the US exit cycle, Sudhi is an active investor and mentor to early-stage founders through Herle Ventures. Together, Gagan and Sudhi form the technologist team that many early-stage founders dream of having as advisors.

As for me, I have spent the last decade as Founder and CEO of LetsVenture, having founded and exited a tech startup in early 2000. My journey has allowed me to meet over 1,000 founders, offering invaluable lessons and building strong relationships. I firmly believe this decade belongs to the Indian founder, and SamVed is the perfect platform to back this belief.

Our Vision for SamVed

SamVed is a $50M early-stage fund with a mission to empower startups solving real problems for India’s growing middle class and aspirational population. We’re focusing on transformative sectors—AI, Agritech, Healthcare, Fintech, E-commerce, Upskilling, and Consumer Brands—where we can make a meaningful impact.

SamVed’s unique value proposition extends beyond capital. Startups receive access to an in-house CTO, operational mentorship, and global networks, enabling them to navigate critical growth phases effectively. With investment amounts ranging from $80K–$120K for early-stage startups and $250K–$1M for Pre-Series A rounds, we deliver tailored support to businesses addressing challenges for India’s next billion users.

A Personal Journey

For me, SamVed is deeply personal. It’s about betting on the future I want to see for India — where ambitious founders have the resources and support to build businesses that create lasting value. It also allows me to weave in and create a seamless partnership with LetsVenture.

At SamVed, we have united a team with diverse strengths of deep tech expertise, market understanding and data led approach to investing. This unique combination allows us to not just identify promising startups, but to truly understand their potential and provide the support they need to thrive in India's rapidly evolving tech landscape. As we embark on this journey, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. . SamVed isn’t just another VC fund. It’s the culmination of years of experience, a shared vision for India’s tech future, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking startups.

As we embark on this journey, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead

If you’re a founder building for India’s next billion users, we’d love to hear from you. Check out more at www.samved.vc.

We look forward to being part of India’s defining decade of entrepreneurship.

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