Info Edge shares in focus as AI portfolio doubles to Rs 1,268 crore; total holdings at Rs 41,300 crore

Indian internet giant Info Edge just dropped a bombshell, revealing its AI startup portfolio has more than doubled in value to Rs 1,268 crore, up from Rs 614 crore invested across 28 companies since 2020. This translates to an impressive 2.1x multiple and an estimated gross Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 31%, showcasing the company's foresight in backing artificial intelligence before it became a mainstream global investment frenzy. The news sent Info Edge shares soaring over 4% on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), underscoring strong investor confidence in its long-term, tech-focused investment strategy. The AI surge is part of a much larger success story for Info Edge overall startup investment portfolio, now valued at a staggering Rs 41,300 crore against cumulative investments of around Rs 4,900 crore across 135 startups. This entire portfolio boasts an 8.4x multiple and a gross IRR of about 33%, with consumer technology remaining the undisputed heavyweight, contributing Rs 37,214 crore from investments in just 45 companies, including stellar performers like Zomato and PB Fintech. Info Edge, through its direct investments and Alternative Investment Funds, has consistently championed 'patient capital,' identifying 'outliers' early in emerging sectors like deeptech and consumer AI, often before widespread market recognition, a strategy spearheaded by founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani. Looking ahead, Info Edge is doubling down on AI, deeptech, and consumer technology as the primary engines for future value creation, signaling continued aggressive investment in these frontier areas. The company highlighted that 15 of its 28 AI portfolio companies, and 13 of its 30 deeptech ventures, have already secured external follow-on funding, with some even receiving critical government backing under initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission. This ongoing validation from institutional investors and government programs suggests a robust growth trajectory for Info Edge diverse tech bets, positioning India at the forefront of building globally relevant technology companies.