Full Breakdown
Transforming Investment Landscapes: Insights from Emerging Ventures
9/14/2025, 12:20:59 PM
Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl and Sadev Ventures' Approach to Indian Startups
Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, Founder and Managing Partner of Sadev Ventures, emphasizes a "founder-first" investment strategy that focuses on early-stage startups, particularly in India's tier II and tier III cities. His firm, formerly known as Eternal Capital, operates on three guiding principles: thesis, co-investment, and "dhandha," which reflects a practical view of business. Bahl asserts that early-stage startups benefit significantly from hands-on support beyond mere financial backing. He highlights the potential of startups in smaller cities, noting their ability to tap into local insights and innovate cost-effectively. Sadev Ventures is sector-agnostic but shows particular interest in fintech, manufacturing SaaS, and content platforms, with a portfolio that includes companies like Asaya and Hypergro.
The Future of Indian Venture Capital
Looking ahead, Bahl predicts a shift in India's venture capital landscape towards deeptech, climate tech, and artificial intelligence. He identifies these sectors as crucial for addressing the country's pressing challenges. With a current portfolio of 75 startups and eight successful exits, Sadev Ventures aims to reshape the investment narrative by supporting high-impact founders.
The MEST Africa Challenge: Supporting African Entrepreneurs
In a parallel effort to foster innovation, Absa has partnered with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) for the MEST Africa Challenge 2025. This initiative seeks to empower African tech entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and a $50,000 seed equity investment to the winning startup. The challenge, which runs from August to November, aims to spotlight fintech innovation and support startups in eight African countries, including Kenya and Ghana. Absa's commitment to digital transformation is reflected in its support for local entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of scalable innovation for economic growth.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
Alami Capital has launched The LaunchPad, a venture-building platform aimed at addressing the funding gap for women-led startups in Africa. This initiative was unveiled at GITEX Nigeria and seeks to create a pipeline of investment-ready businesses. Female-led startups received only 2% of total funding across the continent in 2024, highlighting the need for targeted support. The LaunchPad aims to showcase women-led innovation and provide essential resources for scaling businesses across various sectors.
Criticism and Challenges in the Investment Ecosystem
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. Critics of Project Europe, an initiative led by Kitty Mayo, have raised concerns about the need for more seed funding in Europe and the lack of gender representation among its partners. Mayo acknowledges the criticism but emphasizes her role as a female leader in the initiative. The project aims to support young entrepreneurs and foster a diverse ecosystem, although it faces scrutiny regarding its operational model and inclusivity.
Conclusion: A New Era of Investment
As the investment landscape evolves, initiatives like Sadev Ventures, the MEST Africa Challenge, and The LaunchPad are paving the way for innovative solutions and inclusive growth. By focusing on diverse sectors and empowering underrepresented groups, these ventures are not only addressing immediate economic challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
