Early-stage venture capital firm Sadev Ventures has announced a significant leadership expansion with the appointment of former Snabbit executive Ishan Kansal as its new co-founder and managing partner. Kansal is set to join in early June 2026 and will spearhead the firm's new Bengaluru office, a key move in its strategic plan for national expansion. This appointment signals a new phase of accelerated growth for the venture capital fund.
A Strategic Leadership Addition
Ishan Kansal brings a wealth of operational experience to Sadev Ventures, having previously served as the product head at the quick services startup Snabbit. In that role, he was responsible for leading the product, data, and design functions. His expertise is expected to provide the firm with a pragmatic, operator-focused lens for evaluating new investment opportunities.
Before his time at Snabbit, Kansal was a core early team member at CRED, where he spent nearly six years scaling key product and business verticals across payments, insurance, and lending. An alumnus of IIM Indore, his earlier career also includes impactful roles at Paytm and Deutsche Bank. This diverse background spans consumer internet, fintech, and investment banking across India and APAC markets.
Fueling Ambitious Growth Plans
The timing of Kansal's appointment is critical, as Sadev Ventures is embarking on a period of significant operational scaling. The firm has set an ambitious target to surpass ₹1,000 Cr in funds under management over the next 18 to 24 months. This goal underscores the firm's confidence in its investment strategy and the growing opportunities within the Indian startup landscape.
In addition to increasing its assets under management, the firm is also preparing to launch its second equity fund. Furthermore, Sadev Ventures plans to formally enter the venture debt space, diversifying its financial offerings to early-stage companies. These strategic initiatives are designed to solidify its position as a key player in India's venture capital ecosystem.
An Operator-Focused Investment Philosophy
Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, founder and managing partner of Sadev Ventures, emphasized the strategic value of this new appointment. He stated, “By integrating Ishan into our leadership, Sadev is substantially bolstering its capacity to identify extraordinary founders and furnish critical support.” This highlights the firm's commitment to providing hands-on guidance during the crucial early stages of a startup's journey.
Founded in 2024 by Bahl, the former COO of BharatPe, Sadev Ventures operates as a sector-agnostic fund. It primarily focuses on startups between the seed and pre-Series A stages, typically writing cheques ranging from ₹2 Cr to ₹10 Cr. The firm's philosophy is centered on backing founders who are building enduring businesses in and from India.
A Growing Portfolio and Strong Backing
Sadev Ventures currently manages a corpus of ₹240 Cr and has built a diverse portfolio of promising early-stage startups. Notable investments include companies such as Asaya, Cleevo, Vama, Gladful, and Prosperr. The firm has also recently participated in funding rounds for Bidso, Care.Fi, and speciality chemicals startup Atomgrid.
The venture capital firm is supported by a distinguished group of limited partners, adding significant credibility and network access. This investor base includes industry leaders like MakeMyTrip founder Deep Kalra, Fixderma founder Shaily Mehrotra, and BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi. The backing from such prominent figures validates the firm's vision and leadership in the market.
Ishan Kansal's appointment as co-founder and managing partner marks a pivotal moment for Sadev Ventures, reinforcing its leadership team with deep operational expertise. This strategic hire, coupled with the establishment of a Bengaluru office, positions the firm to execute its ambitious growth plans effectively. It strengthens Sadev's ability to identify, fund, and nurture the next generation of innovative startups across India.