about

ABOUT Saavor

Saavor is a vertically integrated SaaS platform that provides enterprise solutions for campus dining operations and catering vendors at academic institutions. Our fully integrated, full stack solution automates kitchen operations, improves inventory management, and streamlines POS transactions for students and staff, resulting in greater synergy, management and reduced overhead expenses.

OUR Story

While studying for her MBA, Poonam Vasantha Kumar got hungry for a home-cooked meal, one that would take her taste buds back home. As Co-Founder and CEO of Saavor, she initially created a marketplace solution to connect home-based chefs to consumers in their area via a mobile app intended to help satisfy these meal cravings. But when the pandemic hit in 2020 and she started using her network to deliver meal boxes to frontline healthcare workers at hospitals in New York City, she uncovered gaps and opportunities in the food service industry that needed to be addressed, causing her to shift thinking to a different business model. Through the meal box program with hospitals, she noticed challenges in managing dining operations and connecting them to a myriad of discounts and rewards in a seamless way. With the help of her aunt, Dr. Suneetha Thota, Poonam started to bring her idea to life and focused on the universe of academic institutions, an industry that suffers from many of the problems that Saavor now addresses.

story

OUR Team

team

Poonam Vasantha Kumar

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Having a background in software engineering, MBA and MIS, Poonam has played a key role in software development, design, Business development, and fundraising efforts. She has played a key role in scaling the company and making sure the company’s customer relationship management is prioritized at all levels of operations within the firm.

team

Jerence Go

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

He has 20-plus years of experience in corporate finance industries and is actively serving as an advisor to several early-stage start-ups globally. He has also played a key role in streamlining the activities within the company, managing the finances, and building a strong team.

team

Byron Sinor

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

He offers more than 20 years of IT experience since working for well-known corporations as a lead engineer. He is involved in ensuring that the product operates smoothly and efficiently. He also mentors the entire tech team and introduces proven IT practices and new technologies to us to make our product more reliable and cost effective.

team

Austin K lee

Chief Product Officer

He has more than 8 years of experience as a product/technical manager and business analyst. He also has 3+ years of experience in the finance industry as a client facing professional. At Saavor, he is involved in improving internal processes, analyzing and managing product life cycle, project management, going on site to client's location for successful implementation, and relationship management.

team

Dr. Suneetha Thota

CO-FOUNDER & INVESTOR

She is a visionary MD who brings in real-world experience. She was involved in catering business in India as an investor and advisor. She adds considerable expertise, guidance, and experience to Saavor.

team

Dr. Arun Narayanasamy

ADVISOR

He is currently a finance and real estate professor at the University of Northern Iowa. He has a PhD in finance and real estate as well as a background in computer science engineering and economics. He currently serves in an advisory role to several start-up companies. He has played a vital role in Saavor from the onset, providing key strategic and operational advice throughout our journey.

team

Shelly Lipton

ADVISOR

He is a serial entrepreneur with more than 30 years of marketing and business development experience. He is actively serving as an advisor to technology start-ups. He served as interim CMO and advisor for Roomi. He assists the team with marketing, operations, and strategic partnerships.

team

Jay Jayamohan

ADVISOR

He is a serial entrepreneur with two very successful exits in the past. He is a leading expert in disruptive innovation, design thinking, and strategic management. Currently he is an adjunct faculty at George Mason and also the Executive Director for the Center for Innovation Hub at Harrisburg University.

team

Eray Guven

ANGEL INVESTOR & ADVISOR

He is the first external angel investor in the firm. Currently he serves as the head of the Credit Risk Underwriting Division of Barclays Capital. He has more than 20 years of experience in finance and banking.