Symphonic Capital launches $13.5M fund to back underrepresented founders in healthcare and fintech

Early-stage startups solving real-world problems don’t always get the attention they deserve—especially those working outside of Silicon Valley. That’s where Symphonic Capital steps in. The VC firm, led by Sydney Thomas, just closed its $13.5 million debut fund to invest in founders building companies that serve communities often left behind.

The fund targets early-stage startups addressing gaps in healthcare and financial services—two areas where access has long been uneven. Thomas says the goal is to back founders who are building solutions that can deliver both returns and real impact.

Founded in 2022 by Sydney Thomas, Symphonic Capital backs pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are closing access gaps and creating meaningful solutions for underserved communities.

“We’re excited to announce the launch of our first fund and deeply honored to have the backing of an incredible group of like-minded partners,” said Sydney Thomas, founder and managing director of Symphonic Capital. “We believe in the vision we’re building at Symphonic and look forward to putting our thesis to work: investing in founders committed to creating a more equitable future for all.”

Shruti Shah is joining the firm as a partner as part of the official fund launch. Together, Thomas and Shah aim to change how early-stage investing works—starting with where capital flows. Symphonic intentionally looks beyond the usual tech hubs and focuses on companies valued under $10 million that already have a minimum viable product. It’s the kind of stage where bigger VC firms often pass, but where support can make or break a company.

“We see the next generation of founders as key drivers of lasting, meaningful change in society,” said Shruti Shah. “Our first fund prioritizes companies addressing inequities in healthcare and financial services because we recognize the opportunity to create outsized impact in communities that have long been overlooked and underserved.”

Thomas brings serious experience to the table. Before founding Symphonic in 2022, she was the first hire at Precursor Ventures, where she helped lead investments in startups like Teal Health, Guava, and Mira.

Symphonic Capital is now open to connecting with founders, limited partners, and investors who share their vision. You can reach the team at hi@symphonic.vc.