A new venture capital firm is stepping up to change the face of early-stage investing. Symphonic Capital, founded by Sydney Thomas, has closed its debut $13.5 million fund aimed at backing underrepresented founders building solutions in healthcare and financial services—two critical sectors often marred by inequitable access.
Backing Startups Beyond Silicon Valley’s Spotlight
While many venture firms focus on the usual tech hubs, Symphonic Capital takes a different path. The firm seeks out promising startups beyond the Bay Area bubble, particularly those tackling real-world problems in overlooked communities. With this new fund, Symphonic plans to support pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are already showing traction and have a minimum viable product—businesses that often fall through the cracks of larger VC firms’ radar.
“Our mission is simple but bold: to fund founders who are closing gaps in access and creating solutions that matter,” said Sydney Thomas, founder and managing director. “We’re proud to have the support of aligned partners who believe in building a more inclusive future.”
Shruti Shah has also joined the firm as a partner. Together, Shah and Thomas are reimagining how capital is distributed at the earliest stages, with a sharp focus on companies valued under $10 million and led by founders often overlooked by traditional investors.
Targeting Impact-Driven Innovation in Healthcare and Financial Services
Symphonic Capital’s first fund will concentrate on two sectors where disparities run deep—healthcare and fintech. These industries hold immense potential for innovation, yet historically underserved communities continue to face barriers in access and affordability.
“We’re prioritizing companies that aim to reduce inequities and create real, long-lasting change,” said Shruti Shah. “By supporting founders who intimately understand the communities they serve, we’re confident this fund will deliver both impact and strong returns.”
Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the firm. Before launching Symphonic in 2022, she played a key role at Precursor Ventures, where she contributed to investments in mission-driven startups like Teal Health, Guava, and Mira.
At its core, Symphonic Capital is building a future where capital isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose. With its debut fund now live, the firm is ready to back a new wave of diverse founders rewriting the rules of innovation in healthcare and finance.
