Indian internet major Info Edge, an early investor in Zomato, has announced a dual strategic move—investing heavily in deeptech while exiting its stake in retail tech startup Shopkirana.
This decision reflects the company’s evolving focus toward long-term value creation and next-generation technology investments.
₹250 Crore Commitment to Deeptech Fund
Info Edge has approved an investment of up to ₹250 crore ($26.4 million) in a new fund:
👉 A88 Fund I
Key details:
- Registered as a Category II AIF with SEBI
- Managed by Info Edge’s subsidiary Smartweb Internet Services
- Focused on early-stage deeptech startups in India
- Expected lifespan: 12 years (extendable)
👉 The fund aims to support innovation in sectors like AI, SaaS, and advanced technologies.
Why Info Edge Is Betting on Deeptech
The company’s strategy is clear:
- Back future-ready technologies
- Support Indian startup ecosystem
- Generate long-term returns
👉 Deeptech is emerging as a high-growth sector with global relevance.
Exit from Shopkirana: Strategic Divestment
Alongside its investment, Info Edge is exiting its stake in Shopkirana.
Key highlights:
- Stake sold: 26.14%
- Buyer: Trustroot Internet Private Limited (TIPL)
- Deal value: $32.97 million
👉 This marks a complete exit from the retail tech startup.
New Investment in TIPL
As part of the transaction, Info Edge is not fully stepping away.
Instead, it will:
- Receive 2.02% stake in TIPL via preference shares
- Invest an additional $1.72 million
- Increase total stake to ~2.13%
👉 This indicates a shift from direct startup exposure to holding structures.
About TIPL
Trustroot Internet Private Limited (TIPL) operates as:
- An investment holding company
- A developer of software and SaaS solutions
- Active across multiple global markets
👉 This aligns with Info Edge’s growing interest in scalable tech businesses.
Strategic Shift: What It Means
Info Edge’s dual move highlights a broader transition:
From:
- Direct investments in consumer startups
To:
- Structured investments in deeptech and SaaS ecosystems
👉 The company is repositioning itself for future technology-driven growth.
Impact on Startup Ecosystem
This move could influence the Indian startup landscape:
Positive signals:
- Increased funding for deeptech startups
- Strong backing for early-stage innovation
- More institutional capital in emerging sectors
👉 It strengthens India’s position in global deeptech development.
Leadership Perspective
The strategy reflects the vision of Sanjeev Bikhchandani, who has consistently backed high-growth startups.
👉 From Zomato to new-age deeptech, Info Edge continues to evolve with market trends.
Conclusion
Info Edge’s ₹250 crore commitment to A88 Fund I and its exit from Shopkirana signal a major strategic shift.
By focusing on deeptech investments and scalable SaaS platforms, the company is aligning itself with the future of innovation.
👉 As the startup ecosystem matures, such moves will define the next phase of growth in India’s tech landscape.
