Info Edge Invests ₹250 Cr in Deeptech Fund

Info Edge, the powerhouse behind India's premier job portal Naukri.com, is significantly amplifying its venture capital activities by committing ₹250 crore (approximately $26.5 million) to the newly established A88 Fund I. This strategic allocation targets early-stage companies operating at the forefront of deep technology innovation within India's rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.

The venture fund, A88 Fund I, is structured under the A88 Trust, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Smartweb, a subsidiary of Info Edge, is sponsoring this initiative, underscoring the parent company's focused strategy to cultivate and support groundbreaking deeptech ventures from their nascent stages. This move signals a deliberate expansion of Info Edge's investment horizon beyond its established internet services.

This substantial commitment marks a pivotal moment for Info Edge, reflecting a deepening strategic focus on the deeptech sector. It follows closely on the heels of other significant capital deployments, including a ₹100 crore allocation approved in November 2025 for its investment arm, Redstart Labs, which actively scouts for promising startups across deeptech sub-sectors and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Furthermore, the company's executive directors recently sanctioned an additional ₹15 crore investment into its investment vehicle, SIHL, demonstrating a multi-pronged approach to venture building.

The Indian venture capital arena is witnessing a pronounced shift towards deeptech, with approximately 21% of the over 90 new funds launched in 2025 concentrating on this specialized area. This trend is exemplified by other significant fund formations, such as Celesta Capital's ambitious target fund aiming for ₹2,000 crore and Unicorn India Ventures' collaboration with IIT Madras Research Park to establish a ₹600 crore fund. Info Edge's investment in A88 Fund I positions it squarely within this dynamic and growing segment.

Info Edge's overall venture portfolio has experienced robust expansion, with its total valuation now approaching an impressive ₹48,000 crore. By channeling capital through various fund structures and engaging in direct investments, the company is solidifying its position as a key enabler of India's technological advancement. This diversification strategy allows Info Edge to leverage its extensive market knowledge and financial resources to foster innovation across a spectrum of emerging technologies, moving beyond its core internet businesses.

The deeptech sector, characterized by its reliance on significant scientific and engineering challenges, is crucial for developing next-generation technologies in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology. Investments in this space, while often longer-term, hold the potential for transformative impact and substantial returns. Info Edge's proactive engagement through A88 Fund I, alongside its other investment arms like Redstart Labs and SIHL, underscores a forward-thinking strategy to capitalize on India's growing deeptech capabilities and contribute to its technological self-reliance.