Rising Strong: Sabhash Bedi on Redemption, Resilience, and Rewriting His Legacy
In episode two of the second season of the Limitless Growth Podcast, we hear from someone who’s navigated immense highs, harrowing lows, and emerged with clarity and conviction: Sabhash Bedi, founder of Rising Straits Capital and EO member of three years. From a $50 million dot-com bust to rebuilding a global investment platform—and confronting personal demons along the way—Sabhash’s journey is one of courage, self-awareness, and reinvention.
From Dot-Com Millionaire to Starting Over
Sabhash’s entrepreneurial roots trace back to his late 20s when he co-founded a dot-com venture during business school. By graduation, the startup had a million dollars in seed capital and nine employees. A few years later, they secured a $12 million round from famed VC firm Kleiner Perkins and had an $80 million buyout offer on the table.
But like many young founders, he got caught up in the hype.
“We don’t sell companies for $80 million. We sell them for a billion,” one board member told him. So, they held out.
They raised more money, took on debt, and missed their window. When the dot-com bubble burst, the company collapsed.
Sabhash’s takeaway?
“Not selling that business was my biggest mistake. I didn’t understand venture capital. I didn’t understand capital alignment.”
Rising Straits Capital: An Investment Bridge Between Worlds
After the collapse, Sabhash pivoted. He became a management consultant, helping private equity firms expand operations into India. As regulatory reforms opened new doors for foreign capital into Indian real estate, Sabhash seized the opportunity and launched Rising Straits Capital, an alternative investment platform that now manages a range of private equity and venture funds focused on India and Southeast Asia.
The company operates lean, with just 35 people across global offices. Sabhash’s core team has been with him for 17 years—a testament to the loyalty he cultivates and his philosophy of hiring smart, driven people who share his hunger for navigating the unknown.
“Everything I’ve done has been uncharted territory. I didn’t know I couldn’t raise $300 million for Indian real estate, so I just did.”
Living With Less Debt—and More Intention
The lessons of his early career still echo. Today, Sabhash is debt-averse, prioritizing clarity and alignment over rapid growth.
“Everything takes longer than you think. And sometimes all it takes is one event—one macro disruption—to destroy years of work.”
He’s cautious with capital, careful not to over-raise, and acutely aware of stakeholder alignment. One of the key mistakes he sees founders make? Taking money without understanding the source—or the strings attached.
Facing the Hard Truth: Alcoholism and Addiction
In one of the podcast’s most powerful and vulnerable moments, Sabhash opened up about his battle with alcoholism—a lifestyle fueled by constant travel, high-stakes fundraising, and the endless cycle of social events.
“That lifestyle made me an alcoholic. And I didn’t admit it until two years ago.”
After years of ignoring the signs, it was COVID that forced him to face the truth. The travel stopped, the distractions disappeared—and the drinking remained.
Now over 22 months sober, Sabhash shared how his sobriety sparked a deeper internal reckoning. He wrote a personal mission statement for what he calls “Sabhash 2.0”—a version of himself that’s more intentional, balanced, and legacy-focused.
Sabhash 2.0: Redefining Success and Impact
Sobriety has transformed more than just his habits—it’s shifted his worldview. Sabhash is now deeply focused on legacy. He’s asking bigger questions:
- What does it mean to leave the world better than you found it?
- What truly defines success beyond money?
His new mission? To maximize his experiences and capabilities across five dimensions: family, health, intellectual growth, community, and self-recognition.
He’s taking real steps too—from exploring philanthropic investments to launching local financial literacy initiatives. He’s even started working with high schools, proposing real-world finance and entrepreneurship classes for teens.
“We all write mission statements for our companies. Why not one for ourselves?”
Embracing Vulnerability and Finding Peace
Despite his serious demeanor, Sabhash says one of the biggest misconceptions about him is that he’s emotionless.
“People don’t see the real me. They don’t know how much I feel. As entrepreneurs, we always have to put on the game face. But we’re human too.”
Through EO, Sabhash found a space to be vulnerable. He openly discusses his struggles and growth with his forum and encourages other founders to embrace the same honesty.
“Entrepreneurship is lonely. But at EO, you get to the top of the mountain and realize you’re not alone. There’s someone else up there, too.”
What’s Next: From Asia to America—and Beyond
Three years from now, Sabhash sees himself building a reverse capital flow—helping Asia-based investors deploy capital into U.S. opportunities. But more than business, he’s focused on leaving a legacy of impact—particularly in education and mentorship.
“Success is no longer about dollars. It’s about the personal touch—making a difference in someone else’s journey.”
Sabhash’s story is a reminder that every entrepreneur is a work in progress. Whether navigating venture capital, personal demons, or the search for meaning, the path to greatness isn’t just about business—it’s about growth, grit, and grace.
Stay tuned for more real, raw, and powerful stories from the EO San Diego community on the Elevated Podcast.