Saama Capital

Saama Capital is a prominent India-focused early-stage venture capital firm, co-founded by Ash Lilani and Suresh Shanmugham. Established with a deep understanding of the Indian entrepreneurial landscape, the firm has consistently positioned itself as a key investor in the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem. Saama Capital is known for its hands-on approach and extensive network, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. Its investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing high-growth potential businesses across various sectors within India.

The firm primarily targets investments in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, demonstrating a commitment to supporting companies from their nascent stages through significant growth phases. Saama Capital has successfully raised five funds, cumulatively building a substantial asset under management (AUM). Their latest fund, Saama Capital India Bright Start Fund V, closed at $150 million in 2022, underscoring continued investor confidence in their strategy and the Indian market. Across its five funds, Saama Capital's total AUM stands at approximately $386 million, reflecting its significant presence and capital deployment capacity in the Indian venture landscape.

Saama Capital typically deploys initial cheques ranging from $1 million to $10 million, catering to the capital needs of early to mid-stage startups. This flexible investment range allows them to back a diverse set of companies, from innovative seed-stage ventures to more established Series B businesses seeking growth capital. Their portfolio boasts an impressive roster of successful companies, including early investments in fintech giant Paytm, e-commerce leader Snapdeal, and consumer brands like Sula Vineyards and Epigamia. The firm's strategic focus spans consumer brands, fintech, SaaS, and B2B technology, aiming to capitalize on India's digital transformation and consumption growth.