Info Edge Bets Big on Future: AI and Deeptech Investments Surge Up 82% As Portfolio Crosses ₹41,000 Crore Mark

Info Edge Bets Big on Future: AI and Deeptech Investments Surge Up 82% As Portfolio Crosses ₹41,000 Crore Mark​

Info Edge, the parent company behind Naukri.com, is making significant bets on emerging technologies. The company's targeted investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and deeptech startups have demonstrated robust growth since initiating this focus around 2020. As detailed in its recent shareholder letter, these specific investments are now valued at ₹1,827 crore, marking an impressive rise of 82%.

The strategic shift reflects Info Edge’s commitment to future value creation beyond the consumer internet space. Founder and vice chairman Sanjeev Bikhchandani stated that the trajectory for future growth will be predominantly driven by three key themes: Artificial Intelligence, Deeptech, and Consumer Technology.

Performance of AI and Deeptech Portfolios​

Info Edge has aggressively backed innovation across specialized sectors. The company directed investments totaling ₹614 crore into 28 AI startups, which are currently valued at ₹1,268 crore. This translates to a substantial 2.1x multiple on invested capital (MOIC) and an estimated gross internal rate of return (IRR) of 31 percent for the AI portfolio.

The deeptech focus has similarly gained traction. A total of ₹455 crore was committed to 30 deeptech companies, which are currently valued at ₹559 crore. This segment shows a 1.2x MOIC and a gross IRR estimated around 15 percent.

Key Investments in AI and Deeptech​

The startup ecosystem supported by Info Edge is diverse and high-caliber. Notable names in the AI space include Gnani.ai, Lumiq, Phot.ai, Ringg AI, Pascal AI, and Krisatwork. The deeptech portfolio covers critical areas such as robotics, spacetech, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and electric mobility.

Portfolio companies have successfully attracted further industry attention. Among the achievements noted is that Gnani.ai, a Voice AI startup, was selected under the IndiaAI Mission and received necessary GPU compute credits. Furthermore, ePlane and Manastu Space secured allocations under the government's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme.

Consumer Technology Remains Core Value Driver​

Despite the high-growth metrics in tech ventures, consumer technology retains its status as the primary value generator for Info Edge’s startup holdings. The company invested ₹2,755 crore across 45 consumer technology and consumer AI startups. This portfolio is presently valued at a massive ₹37,214 crore.

The established holdings in Eternal, PB Fintech, ixigo, BlueStone, Wakefit, and Adda247 are driving this performance. The consumer tech segment has delivered outstanding returns, showing a 13.5x multiple on invested capital and a gross IRR of approximately 34 percent.

Total Startup Portfolio Reaches ₹41,000 Crore Milestone​

When aggregating all sectors—AI, deeptech, and consumer technology—Info Edge’s total startup portfolio has reached significant milestones. The company has invested nearly ₹4,900 crore across 135 startups through its balance sheet and fund management platforms. The entire portfolio is now assessed at approximately ₹41,300 crore.

This substantial valuation reflects an overall multiple on invested capital of 8.4x and an estimated gross IRR of 33 percent. Of the total capital injected, roughly ₹3,600 crore originated from Info Edge and its group companies. The remaining ₹1,300 crore was contributed by external limited partners through alternative investment funds managed by the company.