Info Edge Commits ₹250 Cr In B8 Fund I To Back Tech Startups

Info Edge’s board has approved an investment of up to ₹250 crore in a newly launched alternative investment fund, B8 Fund I.

In an exchange filing, the company said its board approved joining a contribution agreement with the fund, which is part of B8 Trust. The trust is registered with SEBI as a Category II alternative investment fund (AIF).

The investment will be made through Smartweb Internet Services Limited, a subsidiary of Info Edge. Smartweb will serve as the sponsor and investment manager for the fund and its schemes.

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The total investment under the agreement will be up to ₹250 crore, with funds being drawn gradually over the life of the fund based on investment opportunities and market conditions.

The company said the fund aims to create long-term growth for its investors by supporting tech-enabled, growth-stage companies in India or those mainly focused on India.

The fund’s term is eight years from its first closing, with the option to extend up to two more years if two-thirds of the investors agree.

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Info Edge, one of the earliest investors in India’s startup ecosystem, is continuing to expand its investments in early- and growth-stage tech startups. Last year, the company approved ₹100 crore for its fully owned subsidiary, Redstart Labs, to meet its capital needs and fund potential investments.

Redstart invests in startups in the deeptech and SaaS sectors, with portfolio companies including Unbox Robotics, BrainSight AI, Skylark Drones, The ePlane Company, and CynLr.

The ₹100 crore investment is a change from an earlier plan in October 2024 when Info Edge had approved ₹30 crore for Redstart through convertible debentures. The new equity investment greatly increases the capital Redstart can use for investments.

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