After five years of honing his skills as a technology investor at Susquehanna Growth Equity, Shalin Mehta is now embarking on a new chapter as the sole general partner at his own growth equity firm, SEVA. With $85 million in capital commitments secured for his debut fund, Mehta is poised to make a significant impact in the investment world.
A Background of Excellence
Mehta’s journey began at Susquehanna Growth Equity, where he spent five years sharpening his technology investor skills. During this period, he led investments in notable companies such as NoRedInk and MuckRack. His expertise and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as a talented and ambitious investment professional.
The Birth of SEVA
With a passion for customer-centric founders and companies, Mehta decided to start SEVA earlier this year. The name "SEVA" is inspired by the Sanskrit word meaning ‘selfless service.’ According to Mehta, "That means to be in service of," highlighting his commitment to serving others throughout his career.
A Team Effort
Mehta is not alone in his endeavors. He is joined by three other team members at SEVA, all sharing a common vision for the future of investment. Together, they aim to invest in fast-growing, bootstrapped companies that require scalable growth through profitable means.
A Unique Approach
SEVA’s approach sets it apart from traditional investment firms. Mehta describes SEVA as being "in between private equity and venture capital," focusing on profitable, founder-led companies that don’t need venture capital or growth-stage ventures. This distinction is crucial, as SEVA aims to provide a consigliere-like service to its portfolio companies.
A Growing List of Emerging Fund Managers
SEVA joins an impressive list of emerging fund managers debuting their first funds this year. Other notable firms include Avra, Faction Ventures, Yellow, Garuda Ventures, Ovni Capital, Oversubscribed Ventures, Emblem, Venture Guides, The Family Fund, and Phenomenal Ventures.
Raising Capital with Ease
In a remarkable achievement, SEVA secured $85 million in capital commitments within just four months. This feat surpasses the firm’s original target of $50 million, demonstrating its impressive ability to attract institutional investors, university endowments, charitable foundations, family offices, and founders.
A Network of Support
Mehta has cultivated a network of founders and growth-stage technology executives who partner with portfolio companies in areas such as strategic planning, executive hiring, and go-to-market strategies. This network provides SEVA’s portfolio companies with the necessary support for long-term growth and profitability.
The Next Three to Five Years
SEVA plans to invest in eight to ten companies from its first fund over the next three to five years. Mehta will be writing checks ranging from $5 million to $15 million, targeting profitable, founder-led companies in the internet, software, data, marketplace, and technology-enabled services sectors.
A Different Approach to Investment
Mehta’s experience has taught him that many founders prefer a more consigliere-like service. SEVA aims to provide this type of support, setting it apart from other investment firms. Mehta believes that SEVA’s unique approach will allow the firm to build strong relationships with its portfolio companies and help them achieve long-term success.
Conclusion
Shalin Mehta’s journey as the sole general partner at SEVA marks a significant milestone in his career. With $85 million in capital commitments and a growing list of emerging fund managers, SEVA is poised to make a lasting impact on the investment world. As Mehta navigates this new chapter, he remains committed to serving customer-centric founders and companies, setting a high standard for the future of investment.
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