Info Edge Launches B8 Fund-I for Growth-Stage Investment

Info Edge has introduced a new investment fund named B8 Fund-I, making a capital commitment of Rs 250 crore. This initiative represents the company’s first dedicated investment vehicle aimed at supporting companies in the later stages of their growth. Additionally, B8 Fund-I may gather further capital from external sponsors, potentially increasing the total amount beyond the initial Rs 250 crore.

Currently, Info Edge is managing four different platforms focused on early-stage investments. These include Info Edge Ventures, which has successfully raised Rs 2,300 crore over three funds; Capital 2B with a capital of Rs 280 crore; Redstart Labs, which concentrates on AI-driven startups; and direct investments made from the company’s balance sheet.

Through its variety of investment avenues, Info Edge has supported numerous startups in their early phases, such as Gnani AI, Ixigo, Shiprocket, Zingbus, and Truemeds. Furthermore, using its balance sheet, the company has invested in earlier rounds for firms like Zomato and Policybazaar.

Focus of the New Fund

The new Rs 250 crore fund is set to concentrate on investing in growth-stage, technology-enabled companies that are either based in India or primarily concentrating on the Indian market, as disclosed in a regulatory filing by the company. The fund has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) as a Category II alternative investment fund and will operate over a span of eight years starting from its first closing.

Previous Investments and Strategic Plans

In May of the previous year, Info Edge announced that its shareholders had given the go-ahead for a plan to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore into Info Edge Ventures’ third fund, aligning with its aim to institutionalise its startup investing approach.

The Info Edge Ventures funds are strategically partnered with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek, in a 50:50 arrangement.

For the quarter that concluded on December 31, Info Edge reported an increase in operating revenue to Rs 819 crore, while its net profit grew by 10% year-on-year, rising from Rs 288 crore to Rs 317 crore.