Smile Group, a technology investor and operator, has announced the launch of its Healthtech Venture Builder. Gagandeep Singh Bedi has been appointed as Managing Partner to lead the initiative.
The move marks Smile Group’s formal entry into the Healthtech sector. The company will apply its full-stack venture-building model, combining capital investment and operational expertise to support Healthtech startups and enable the expansion of global firms into Asia.
Gagandeep Singh Bedi brings over 25 years of experience from global pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Baxter, and Eli Lilly. He has led growth strategies and built teams across India, Africa, and international markets.
At AstraZeneca India, he was responsible for a market turnaround that included doubling growth rates and tripling market capitalisation to $1 billion. He also contributed to India’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.
His engagement with India’s Healthtech ecosystem includes involvement with the India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre to drive technology adoption in clinical settings. He has also partnered with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur on dementia care innovation and invested in early-stage ventures focused on acute coronary syndrome and lung cancer.
Harish Bahl, Founder and CEO of Smile Group, said, “With AI in healthcare becoming a $50B+ opportunity across APAC, and India’s market growing at 42 per cent annually, the pace of change in Healthtech is phenomenal. We’re thrilled to welcome Gagandeep Singh Bedi—his rare combination of corporate leadership and deep engagement with the startup ecosystem makes him the ideal person to work with our founders and lead this initiative.”
Commenting on his new role, Gagandeep Singh Bedi said, “Smile Group’s strong track record in scaling impactful, tech-forward ventures across Asia is something I’ve always deeply respected. Their unique approach—combining capital with deep operational support—resonates strongly with my focus on partnering with mission-driven startup founders and globally ambitious companies looking to enter or expand in Asia.”
