Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri.com, has made a remarkable impact in the Indian startup ecosystem with a 9X return on its startup investments. In a recent letter to its shareholders, the company shared that it has invested a total capital of INR 3,959.16 crore through its own platform and as a Limited Partner (LP) in various ventures. The current Fair Market Value (FMV) of these investments has surged to INR 36,855.40 crore, representing an estimated gross Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 36%.
This growth reflects Info Edge’s long-term strategic approach to startup investments, emphasizing strong governance, financial controls, and ethical entrepreneurship. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, cofounder of Info Edge, emphasized that the team never prioritizes financial returns at the cost of governance. “Our team has seen more than one seed to IPO journeys. Their north star remains strong governance and financial controls as much as strong financial returns. The latter is never chased in compromise of the former,” he stated.
Founded in 1995, Info Edge has grown from a job portal operator into one of India’s most successful internet conglomerates. Apart from Naukri.com, its flagship job search platform, the company also runs 99acres (real estate), Jeevansathi (matrimony), and Shiksha (education). However, it is Info Edge’s strategic startup investments that have drawn increasing attention in recent years.
The company was among the earliest investors in two of India’s most prominent tech unicorns-turned-public companies: Zomato and Policybazaar. Info Edge invested INR 483.78 crore in Zomato and INR 591.40 crore in Policybazaar, positions that yielded substantial returns following the companies’ successful IPOs. Zomato, in particular, has played a pivotal role in highlighting the foresight of Info Edge’s venture strategy.
Beyond these high-profile successes, Info Edge has cultivated a diversified portfolio across sectors such as fintech, edtech, proptech, and SaaS, often providing seed and early-stage capital. The firm’s disciplined investment methodology and preference for building long-term partnerships have earned it a reputation as one of India’s most respected startup backers.
The strong IRR and multi-fold return serve as validation of Info Edge’s prudent, patient capital approach—one that often contrasts with the more aggressive, valuation-chasing trends in the broader venture capital ecosystem. By staying grounded in fundamentals and focusing on ethical business practices, Info Edge continues to offer a blueprint for sustainable venture investing in India.
As the Indian startup ecosystem matures and more homegrown companies prepare for public markets or strategic exits, Info Edge is well-positioned to continue playing a leading role. With a proven track record and an eye on long-term value creation, the company remains a pivotal force in shaping India’s digital economy.