Amit's Blog

Info Edge: The Architect of India's Internet Landscape Info Edge (India) Ltd. stands as a unique and pioneering force in the Indian digital ecosystem, operating not just as a venture capital investor but also as a builder of its own successful internet businesses, notably Naukri.com and 99acres.com. For over two decades, Info Edge has leveraged its deep market understanding and internal resources to back early-stage, disruptive Indian startups. Its strategic investment in Zomato, transforming it from a nascent idea into a publicly listed food tech giant, exemplifies its visionary approach and significant impact. With a focus on long-term value creation across diverse sectors like food tech, insurance, and fintech, Info Edge has consistently identified and nurtured companies that have become cornerstones of India's digital transformation, solidifying its reputation as a strategic and patient capital provider. I. Investment Activity & Scale 1.      Funds Raised...

Lightspeed Venture Partners India: Global Vision, Local Impact Lightspeed Venture Partners India has cemented its position as a significant early-stage investor in India, demonstrating a keen eye for disruptive opportunities since its inception in 2007. With a dedicated focus on India and Southeast Asia, the firm recently raised its largest fund for the regions, a $500 million vehicle for India and Southeast Asia in July 2023 , bringing its total managed capital globally to over $18 billion. Lightspeed's portfolio boasts prominent unicorns like BYJU'S, Udaan, ShareChat, and Razorpay, showcasing its ability to back companies that achieve massive scale. The firm's strategic focus on emerging sectors such as AI, climate tech, and electric mobility, coupled with its commitment to a "highly selective" and founder-first approach, positions it as a crucial player in nurturing India's next generation of innovative enterprises. I. Investment Activity & Scale 1....

  Chiratae Ventures: A Homegrown Pioneer in India's Tech Startup Scene Chiratae Ventures, founded in 2006 (formerly IDG Ventures India), stands as one of India's most experienced and successful homegrown venture capital firms. With an impressive AUM of approximately $1.3 billion across six funds and investments in over 130 companies , Chiratae has consistently backed disruptive technology startups across SaaS, Consumer Media & Tech, Health-tech, and Fin-tech. Known for its early-stage conviction, including the successful "Chiratae Sonic" seed program, the firm boasts a strong portfolio of 9 unicorns like Lenskart, Myntra, PolicyBazaar, and FirstCry, and a remarkable track record of over 50 exits and 4 IPOs. Its unique achievement of returning capital to LPs every year for the last 13 years underscores its consistent performance and financial discipline, cementing its reputation as a reliable and impactful investor in the Indian startup ecosystem. I. In...