Are you a Startup? This ₹1,000 Cr Fund from Info Edge Could Be for You

At a time when the startup funding winter has left many early-stage founders in a bind, a glimmer of confidence and commitment has emerged from one of India’s most seasoned startup backers—Info Edge (India) Ltd. In a landmark decision, shareholders of the company have given a resounding thumbs-up to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore in a brand-new venture capital initiative: Info Edge Ventures Fund III.

This isn’t just a routine corporate move—it’s a powerful signal. A signal that India’s innovation engine is far from slowing down, and that those who’ve been behind some of the most successful startup journeys in the country are still betting big on the future.

An Overwhelming Mandate of Trust

The proposal to establish this fund wasn’t just approved—it was overwhelmingly embraced. According to a regulatory filing on Saturday, 99.9995% of valid votes from shareholders favored the move. Out of 1,274 shareholders who participated, 1,271 votes were valid, and nearly every single one supported the resolution.

The enthusiasm of shareholders is telling. It reflects the trust they place not just in the company’s leadership, but also in the resilience and potential of the Indian startup ecosystem.

A Seasoned Player Steps Up Again

Smartweb Internet Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Info Edge, will sponsor and manage the new fund. Known for its deep insight into India’s digital and entrepreneurial landscape, Smartweb is expected to be at the helm of identifying promising early-stage startups and helping them scale.

Backing this venture is none other than Sanjeev Bikhchandani, co-founder of Info Edge and a towering figure in India’s startup space. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his delight, writing:

“Delighted to share that shareholders have approved the proposal with near-unanimous support.”

For many in the ecosystem, Bikhchandani’s endorsement of a fund carries weight far beyond numbers. It signals mentorship, guidance, and long-term support.

A Legacy of Betting Right

Info Edge is no stranger to building unicorns. The company’s investment playbook is both aspirational and enviable. Two of its crown jewels—Zomato (now Eternal) and PB Fintech (parent company of Policybazaar)—stand as testaments to the power of early belief and sustained support.

In a letter to shareholders, Bikhchandani shared that as of March 31, 2025, Info Edge’s combined market value in just these two companies stood at a staggering Rs 31,500 crore (around $3.7 billion). That’s the kind of impact most venture firms dream of.

More Than Capital: A Commitment to Founders

Beyond the funding figures, the launch of Info Edge Ventures Fund III speaks volumes about the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing ideas, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening India's digital economy.

This move comes at a time when global economic headwinds have cast a shadow on funding availability, especially for early-stage ventures. Many VCs have slowed their pace. Startups are revisiting valuations, scaling down ambitions, and looking for bridges to the next round.

Amidst this uncertainty, Info Edge’s bold Rs 1,000 crore commitment shines like a lighthouse. It brings both capital and confidence back into the ecosystem.

A New Era of Innovation

India's startup ecosystem has evolved from a fledgling idea to a thriving force that influences employment, innovation, and economic growth. As we step into a new decade of entrepreneurship, what founders need isn’t just money—but meaningful capital. Capital that comes with vision, experience, and staying power.

That’s exactly what Info Edge brings to the table.

The approval and upcoming launch of Info Edge Ventures Fund III is not just a company milestone—it’s a moment for the Indian startup community to celebrate. At a time when optimism is in short supply, one of the country’s most trusted investors has chosen to double down on India's entrepreneurial dream.

As new-age founders build tomorrow’s unicorns, they can now count on a partner that’s not just writing cheques but writing history.