In a notable portfolio reshuffle, Info Edge (India) Ltd—an early investor in Zomato—has announced a ₹250 crore commitment to a deeptech-focused investment fund while exiting its stake in Shopkirana. The move signals a clear shift in strategy towards emerging technologies and long-term innovation.
Backing Deeptech Through A88 Fund
Info Edge will invest in A88 Fund I, an alternative investment fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The fund is aimed at supporting early-stage startups working in deeptech segments such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced digital infrastructure.
The investment will be routed through the company and its subsidiaries, including Smartweb Internet Services Ltd, which will also manage the fund. With a lifecycle of around 12 years, A88 Fund I is designed to provide sustained backing to startups with long gestation periods but high innovation potential.
This aligns with Info Edge’s track record of identifying and nurturing scalable businesses, including successful bets like Policybazaar. The company now appears keen to replicate that success in the deeptech space, which is gaining momentum in India.
Exit from Shopkirana
Alongside this investment, Info Edge will exit its entire 26.14% stake in Shopkirana through a share-swap deal with Trustroot Internet. The transaction values the stake at around $33 million.
As part of the deal, Info Edge’s subsidiary Startup Investments (Holding) Limited will receive preference shares in Trustroot, resulting in a minority stake of slightly over 2%. It will also invest an additional $1.72 million to increase its holding.
The deal is expected to close by June 2026, after which Shopkirana will cease to be an associate company of Info Edge.
A Forward-Looking Investment Strategy
The twin decisions highlight Info Edge’s evolving investment approach—moving away from relatively mature sectors like retail-tech and focusing more on high-growth, innovation-driven areas.
With increasing global interest in AI and deeptech, this shift could position the company to tap into the next wave of startup success stories in India, while optimising returns from its existing portfolio.