-Interview by Bhumika Rawat, Section Editor, Indian Startup Times
In a fast-evolving financial ecosystem, the rise of fintech is rewriting the rules of traditional banking and investment. To gain deeper insights into this transformation, Indian Startup Times sat down with Sahil Anand, Managing Partner at Cedar-IBSi Capital, a fintech-focused venture capital fund with a distinct focus on B2B technology companies.
In this engaging conversation, Sahil Anand offers a comprehensive view of how fintech is disrupting core banking systems, why early-stage investment in technology is vital, and how Cedar-IBSi Capital is uniquely positioned to drive innovation across the financial services landscape.
Driving Fintech Innovation Through Strategic Investment
Cedar-IBSi Capital was launched with a clear vision: to become the go-to investor in India’s burgeoning B2B fintech space. Backed by the global strategy consulting firm Cedar and the IBS Intelligence platform, the fund combines deep industry insight with operational support for its portfolio companies.
“Our mission is to back fintech startups that have the potential to scale and lead,” Sahil explains. “We’re looking for companies that are building cutting-edge solutions for banks and financial institutions—products that are not just innovative but can be integrated and scaled effectively.”
By focusing on pre-Series A and Series A rounds, Cedar-IBSi Capital identifies promising ventures early in their journey. The fund’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to offer not just capital but also strategic support—leveraging Cedar’s global consulting presence and IBSi’s deep research expertise in banking technology.
Disrupting Legacy Systems: A Fintech Imperative
One of the most significant changes taking place in the fintech space is the disruption of legacy core banking systems. For decades, banks have been operating on outdated technology stacks, often resistant to change. Sahil notes that this is no longer sustainable.
“There’s a growing acknowledgment among banks that modernization is non-negotiable,” he says. “Today, banks are not just open to collaborating with fintechs—they are actively investing in them. However, the key to sustaining this momentum lies in dedicated IT budgets.”
According to Sahil, the best fintech solutions today focus on agility, data intelligence, and seamless user experience. These are the tools that enable financial institutions to respond to evolving consumer demands and regulatory landscapes.
Supporting Scalability and Competitiveness
When it comes to choosing which startups to invest in, Cedar-IBSi Capital is driven by a clear framework: scalability, innovation, and competitiveness.
“In the B2B space, it’s not just about having a great product—it’s about proving that it can work across different markets and use cases,” Sahil explains. “We work closely with our portfolio companies to ensure they are not just growing but also building defensible business models.”
This hands-on approach, supported by a global network of experts and clients, enables Cedar-IBSi Capital to create value beyond the checkbook. It also helps portfolio companies navigate the complexities of enterprise sales, compliance, and product deployment at scale.
The Role of Media and Ecosystem Support
Sahil also emphasizes the importance of media and ecosystem enablers in nurturing fintech innovation. “Platforms like Indian Startup Times play a vital role in bringing visibility to young companies and showcasing the people driving the industry forward. This helps in not only fundraising but also in building partnerships and trust within the ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead
As India continues to emerge as a global fintech hub, venture capital firms like Cedar-IBSi Capital will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of financial services. With a strong thesis rooted in technology-first investments and an ecosystem-driven support system, Sahil Anand and his team are enabling transformative innovation where it’s needed most.
The future of banking, it seems, will not be built by legacy institutions alone—but by bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors working together to redefine financial infrastructure for the digital age.
