Safar Partners

Overview

Safar Partners is a seed- to growth-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018, managing over $1 billion in committed capital and investing in more than 75 portfolio companies.¹³ It focuses on technology startups emerging from MIT, Harvard, and the University of Rochester, leveraging principals' connections as board members and trustees at these institutions to commercialize innovations.¹³ The firm applies private equity principles to scale companies beyond prototypes, including through spinouts and joint ventures.³

History

Safar Partners was founded in 2018 by Nader Motamedy, who previously served as Senior Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO of Caspian Private Equity until January 2018.¹² The firm has launched multiple funds, including Safar Partners Fund II closed in November 2022 and Safar Partners Fund III opened in December 2023.⁴ It has built a portfolio of over 75 companies, primarily in cleantech, advanced materials, and other technology sectors from partner universities.¹

Notable Products

• Safar Partners Fund II - Closed in November 2022, supporting seed- to growth-stage tech investments.
• Safar Partners Fund III - Opened in December 2023, targeting technology startups from MIT, Harvard, and University of Rochester.

Reputation

Safar Partners is recognized for its university-affiliated investment strategy and experienced team from private equity backgrounds.¹²³ Professionals note its success in scaling startups via private equity methods and deep institutional ties.³⁴ Limited public data exists on specific performance metrics or criticisms.⁵