Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri, has committed ₹250 crore (approximately $26.5 million) to A88 Fund I, which is established by A88 Trust to support early-stage startups in India and foster long-term growth.
A88 Fund I, launched in February, is registered with SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and is sponsored by Info Edge’s subsidiary, Smartweb. The fund will focus on investing in early-stage deeptech startups.
The fund's objectives include generating long-term growth for contributors and bolstering the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem by investing in deeptech companies primarily based in India.
In a related move, Info Edge announced the transfer of its 26.14% stake in Shopkirana E Trading Pvt Ltd to Udaan for $32.97 million. As part of this transaction, TIPL will issue 104,868 shares to Startup Investments (Holding) Limited (SIHL). Udaan had previously revealed plans to acquire the retail tech startup in July 2025 to enhance its profitability focus.
This marks Info Edge’s second investment commitment this week, following a ₹15 crore investment approved by its executive directors for SIHL. Earlier in November 2025, the company’s board approved a ₹100 crore investment in Redstart Labs, its investment arm that targets startups in deeptech and SaaS sectors.
Info Edge’s growing interest in the Indian deeptech startup scene reflects a wider trend in the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Investments in deeptech have surged, with around 21% of the over 90 new funds launched in 2025 focusing primarily on this sector.
Recently, it was reported that VC firm Celesta Capital plans to launch a deeptech fund with a target corpus of ₹2,000 crore. Additionally, Unicorn India Ventures has partnered with IIT Madras Research Park to establish a ₹600 crore deeptech-focused fund aimed at supporting at least 25 startups.
At the close of trading today, Info Edge shares fell by 0.61%, ending at ₹991.65.
