Smile Group, a prominent technology investor and operator, has officially stepped into the HealthTech sector with the launch of its dedicated Venture Builder. Leading this initiative is Gagandeep Singh Bedi, who has been appointed Managing Partner.

This strategic move reflects Smile Group’s commitment to nurturing HealthTech startups and facilitating the entry and growth of international companies in the Asian market. The Venture Builder will leverage Smile’s proven full-stack model—integrating capital investment and hands-on operational support—to scale high-potential ventures.

Gagandeep Singh Bedi brings over 25 years of experience from top pharmaceutical firms such as AstraZeneca, Baxter, Eli Lilly, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Notably, during his tenure at AstraZeneca India, he spearheaded a market turnaround, doubling growth and tripling market capitalisation to $1 billion, while also playing a key role in India’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Bedi has been actively involved in India’s HealthTech space, collaborating with the India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre to promote tech in clinical care, and working with IIT Kanpur’s SIIC on dementia care solutions. He’s also invested in early-stage startups focused on critical illnesses like coronary syndrome and lung cancer.

Harish Bahl, Founder and CEO of Smile Group, emphasized the immense growth potential of AI in healthcare, particularly across APAC and India. Bedi expressed admiration for Smile’s impact-driven model and is eager to partner with founders and global companies aiming to expand in Asia.