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Info Edge Invests Rs 250 Crore in Indian Startup Fund B8+ Fund I

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 12:02 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Delhi, Maharashtra, INDIA

New Delhi, Thursday, February 26th, 2026 - Info Edge (India) Ltd, the powerhouse behind leading Indian digital platforms Zomato and Policybazaar, today announced a significant commitment to the burgeoning Indian startup scene. The company will invest up to Rs 250 crore in B8+ Fund I, a newly launched growth-stage investment vehicle, signaling continued confidence in India's innovation economy.

The announcement, made this afternoon, details a conditional commitment contingent on the final closing of B8+ Fund I and subsequent approval from Info Edge's internal investment committee. This cautious yet optimistic approach is characteristic of Info Edge's long-term investment strategy, prioritizing due diligence and calculated risk.

Expanding Beyond Portfolio Companies: A Strategic Shift

Info Edge has a well-established track record of nurturing successful startups, most notably through its early investments in Zomato (food delivery) and Policybazaar (insurance aggregator). These companies have not only generated substantial returns for Info Edge but also revolutionized their respective sectors. However, the commitment to B8+ Fund I represents a broadening of their investment scope. Instead of directly funding startups, Info Edge is leveraging a fund-of-funds approach, diversifying its exposure across a wider portfolio of promising growth-stage companies.

"This isn't simply about writing checks," explains financial analyst Priya Sharma. "Info Edge's involvement with B8+ Fund I allows them to tap into the expertise of a dedicated fund management team, gaining access to deal flow and insights they might not otherwise have. It's a smart way to scale their startup investment activity without overextending internal resources."

Target Sectors: Where India is Seeing the Most Growth

B8+ Fund I will strategically focus its investments on four key sectors currently experiencing robust growth in India: consumer brands, fintech, SaaS (Software as a Service), and healthcare. These sectors are all poised for significant expansion in the coming years, driven by increasing disposable incomes, rising internet penetration, and a growing demand for innovative solutions.

• Consumer Brands: The Indian consumer market is one of the fastest-growing globally. B8+ Fund I will likely target brands that are disrupting traditional retail models, offering unique products or services, and building strong brand loyalty amongst a young and digitally-savvy population.
• Fintech: India's fintech sector has witnessed explosive growth, fueled by government initiatives like UPI and a massive underbanked population. Expect investments in companies offering innovative payment solutions, lending platforms, digital insurance, and wealth management tools.
• SaaS: The demand for cloud-based software solutions is surging across all industries. B8+ Fund I will focus on SaaS companies that are addressing specific pain points for Indian businesses, offering affordable and scalable solutions.
• Healthcare: India's healthcare sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the need for better access, affordability, and quality of care. Investment opportunities include telehealth platforms, diagnostics companies, and healthcare technology solutions.

The Broader Context: India's Startup Ecosystem Booming

Info Edge's commitment comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian startup ecosystem. Despite global economic headwinds, India remains a bright spot, attracting record levels of venture capital investment. The number of Indian startups crossing the $1 billion valuation threshold (unicorns) continues to climb, and the country is now the third-largest startup hub globally, behind only the US and China.

Several factors are contributing to this growth. A large and youthful population, increasing digital adoption, a supportive government policy environment, and a growing pool of skilled engineers and entrepreneurs are all creating a fertile ground for innovation.

"We're seeing a maturation of the Indian startup ecosystem," notes venture capital expert Rohan Verma. "Early-stage funding is plentiful, but there's a growing need for capital to fuel the next phase of growth - scaling up operations, expanding into new markets, and building sustainable businesses. Funds like B8+ Fund I are crucial in bridging that gap."

Info Edge's Long-Term Vision

Info Edge's involvement with B8+ Fund I reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the Indian startup ecosystem. By providing access to capital and expertise, the company aims to play a key role in shaping the future of India's digital economy. While the initial commitment is Rs 250 crore, analysts predict that Info Edge may increase its allocation to B8+ Fund I in subsequent tranches, depending on the fund's performance and the availability of attractive investment opportunities. This strategic move positions Info Edge to benefit not just from the success of Zomato and Policybazaar, but also from the next wave of disruptive Indian startups.