Phanindra Sama

Phanindra Sama is a highly respected figure in the Indian startup ecosystem, primarily known as the visionary founder and former CEO of redBus, India's pioneering online bus ticketing platform. His entrepreneurial journey reached a significant milestone with the acquisition of redBus by the Ibibo Group (part of Naspers) in 2013 for an estimated $100 million. This successful exit not only validated his business acumen but also established him as a key contributor to India's burgeoning internet economy, paving the way for his transition into angel investing.

Following his entrepreneurial success, Sama emerged as a prolific angel investor, leveraging his deep operational experience and strategic insights to mentor and fund early-stage startups. He is known for his hands-on approach, often providing guidance on product development, market strategy, and scaling operations. His investment philosophy is rooted in identifying strong founding teams with disruptive ideas that address large, underserved markets, particularly those that can achieve significant scale and impact.

Sama's extensive angel portfolio spans diverse sectors, including ed-tech, logistics, mobility, and B2B SaaS. Notable investments include early-stage backing for companies like Unacademy, a leading online learning platform, and Porter, a prominent logistics marketplace. He has made over 50 angel investments, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. His typical first check sizes for early-stage investments generally range from approximately $50,000 to $500,000, focusing on seed and pre-Series A rounds.

In addition to his direct investments, Sama also serves as an Advisor to WestBridge Capital, a prominent private equity firm with a strong focus on the Indian market. This role further solidifies his influence within the broader investment landscape, allowing him to contribute to larger-scale investment decisions while maintaining his active angel investment portfolio. His journey from a successful founder to a strategic investor and advisor makes him a highly sought-after partner for emerging companies in India.