New Delhi: Smile Group, a technology investor and operator, has announced the appointment of Gagandeep Singh Bedi as Managing Partner of its newly launched HealthTech Venture Builder. The move marks Smile Group’s strategic entry into the rapidly expanding healthtech sector and reinforces its commitment to building globally disruptive companies in high-growth categories.
This initiative will leverage Smile Group’s full-stack venture-building approach—combining capital investment with deep operational expertise—to drive innovation and scale in the healthcare technology domain, particularly by expanding breakthrough healthtech solutions into Asian markets.
Bedi brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience from pharmaceutical giants such as AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Baxter, and Eli Lilly. Most recently, as Managing Director at AstraZeneca India, he led a successful turnaround of the business, doubling market growth and tripling market capitalisation to $1 billion, while playing a pivotal role in India’s COVID-19 vaccine response.
Bedi has also been an active enabler in India’s healthtech startup ecosystem, with roles spanning the India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur’s SIIC, and early-stage investments in cutting-edge ventures addressing 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% 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 appointment, 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.”
