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Susa Fellows Fund, established in 2013, operates under Susa Ventures and is based in the United States. This program is designed to support venture-backed founders, operators at leading companies, and exceptional students in enhancing their investment skills. The fund aims to create a collaborative community where fellows can learn, share experiences, and grow their investment capabilities through mentorship and access to industry networks.
As a relatively new entity in the venture capital space, Susa Fellows Fund has quickly established itself as a significant player. The fund is backed by Susa Ventures Partners, which has invested in over 100 startups since its inception. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, allowing fellows to actively participate in sourcing and diligencing their own deals while receiving guidance from experienced Susa Partners. This structure not only helps fellows develop their investment acumen but also strengthens the community among them.
Notable milestones include the successful exits of portfolio companies like Robinhood and Newfront Insurance, showcasing the fund's ability to identify and support high-potential startups. The Susa Fellows Fund continues to evolve, focusing on building a strong network of venture-backed founders and exceptional students who are eager to refine their investment craft.
Susa Fellows Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage. The fund's investment strategy encompasses a variety of sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, SaaS, biotech, frontier technology, and consumer products. This diverse focus allows the fund to tap into multiple high-growth industries, providing fellows with a broad spectrum of investment opportunities.
The program encourages fellows to actively engage in sourcing and diligencing their own deals, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in the investment process. Each fellow is paired with a Susa Partner, who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the investment journey. This collaborative approach not only enhances the fellows' investment skills but also strengthens the community among them, creating a supportive environment for learning and growth.
Check sizes for investments made by the fund typically range up to $5 million, aligning with the parent entity's investment strategy. The geographic focus is global, with a strong emphasis on the United States, allowing the fund to engage with a wide array of startups across different markets.
Susa Fellows Fund has a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in high-potential startups. Key portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the fund's focus on sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, and consumer products, demonstrating its ability to identify and support innovative companies across various industries.
Chad Byers: Co-founder and General Partner at Susa Ventures, Chad has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping the fund's investment strategy. He has a background in technology and entrepreneurship, which informs his approach to identifying high-potential startups.
Derick En’Wezoh: Managing Director and Partner at Susa Ventures, Derick transitioned from a career in surgery to focus on AI healthcare at Viz.ai before joining Susa. He has backed numerous AI/ML and healthcare startups, bringing valuable expertise to the fund.
Misha Gordon-Rowe: Partner at Susa Ventures, Misha is involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities. His background in technology and finance supports the fund's mission to invest in innovative startups.
Pratyush Buddiga: Partner at Susa Ventures, Pratyush has a strong track record in venture capital and is actively involved in the investment process. His insights into market trends and startup dynamics contribute to the fund's success.
Shaheer Sandhu: Investor at Susa Ventures, Shaheer plays a key role in the Susa Fellows program, overseeing the application process and cohort activities. His focus on mentorship and community building enhances the experience for fellows.
To pitch Susa Fellows Fund, founders should send an email to shaheer@susaventures.com. The fund prefers warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the Susa network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch. Founders should include a concise overview of their startup, highlighting the problem being solved, the solution offered, and the market opportunity.
In the pitch deck, it is essential to include information about the founding team, business model, traction, and growth strategy. Clear visuals and data points can help convey the startup's potential effectively. Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, but specific timelines are not disclosed.
The Susa Fellows program pairs each fellow with a Susa Partner for mentorship and guidance. This program allows fellows to independently deploy small checks into companies and provides access to Susa's deal flow and LP network. The application timeline for the 2026 cohort will begin with reviews starting on September 12, 2025.
In December 2025, Susa Ventures announced the introduction of the 2025-2026 Susa Venture Fellows cohort, highlighting the program's ongoing commitment to supporting early-stage founders and operators. This announcement reflects the fund's active engagement in nurturing the next generation of investors.
Additionally, Susa Ventures continues to expand its portfolio, with recent investments in companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, and healthcare. These investments demonstrate the fund's ability to identify and support high-potential startups that align with its investment thesis.
What are the investment criteria for Susa Fellows Fund?
Susa Fellows Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies at the seed stage, focusing on sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, SaaS, biotech, frontier technology, and consumer products. The fund looks for startups with strong founding teams, innovative solutions, and significant market potential.
How can founders pitch to Susa Fellows Fund?
Founders interested in pitching to Susa Fellows Fund should reach out via email at shaheer@susaventures.com. The fund typically prefers warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the Susa network can be beneficial.
What makes Susa Fellows Fund different from other VC firms?
The unique aspect of Susa Fellows Fund lies in its emphasis on mentorship and community building. Fellows are actively involved in sourcing and diligencing deals, which enhances their investment skills while fostering a collaborative environment among peers.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Susa Fellows Fund aligns with its parent entity, Susa Ventures, which invests up to $5 million in early-stage companies. The specific check sizes for fellows are not disclosed but are typically smaller amounts.
What is the geographic focus of Susa Fellows Fund?
The fund has a global investment focus, with a strong emphasis on the United States. This allows it to engage with a diverse range of startups across different markets.
What post-investment support does Susa Fellows Fund provide?
Post-investment, Susa Fellows Fund offers mentorship from experienced partners, access to a vast network of industry insiders, and opportunities for fellows to engage in sourcing and diligence processes, enhancing their investment capabilities and supporting portfolio companies.
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