Info Edge Commits ₹250 Cr to A88 Fund I for Early-Stage Deeptech Startups
Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri, has announced a significant investment commitment of ₹250 crore ($26.5 million) to A88 Fund I. This fund, set up by A88 Trust, is designed to support early-stage deeptech startups in India. The trust was registered with SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) and launched in February, with Info Edge’s subsidiary Smartweb acting as the sponsor. This move underscores Info Edge’s strategic focus on nurturing innovation within the burgeoning Indian deeptech sector.
Info Edge’s Strategic Investment
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The investment in A88 Fund I aligns with Info Edge’s broader strategy to foster long-term growth opportunities by backing promising deeptech ventures. This commitment follows a series of strategic investments by the company, including a ₹100 crore infusion into its investment arm, Redstart Labs, in November 2025. Redstart Labs focuses on deeptech and SaaS startups, highlighting Info Edge’s increasing interest in these sectors. The company also recently approved an additional ₹15 crore investment in its other investment arm, Startup Investments (Holding) Limited (SIHL).
Broader Funding Environment
The commitment to A88 Fund I comes at a time when deeptech investments are gaining momentum in India. The country, being the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, has seen a sharp rise in funds dedicated to deeptech. In 2025 alone, over 90 new funds were launched, with approximately 21% focusing primarily on deeptech ventures. This trend is further evidenced by recent announcements from other players in the market, such as Celesta Capital’s planned ₹2,000 crore India-focused deeptech fund and Unicorn India Ventures’ collaboration with IIT Madras Research Park for a ₹600 crore deeptech fund.
Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Info Edge’s investment in A88 Fund I is significant for the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly for the deeptech segment. Deeptech startups, which often involve complex technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, require substantial early-stage funding due to their high-risk, high-reward nature. By committing substantial capital, Info Edge is not only supporting individual startups but also contributing to the overall maturation and diversification of India’s tech landscape. This move could potentially inspire other investors to explore opportunities within the deeptech domain, further strengthening the ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As Info Edge continues to expand its investment portfolio, the focus on deeptech could lead to the emergence of new innovations and technologies from India. The company’s strategic investments are likely to catalyze growth in the sector, encouraging more entrepreneurs to venture into deeptech. With the increasing interest from both domestic and international investors, the Indian deeptech ecosystem is poised for accelerated development in the coming years.
