Startup Originals Team
An early investment of just ₹86 crore in Zomato has grown into a stake worth nearly ₹32,000 crore over 13 years, making it one of the most successful startup investments in Indian history. Behind this remarkable journey is Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge, widely regarded as one of the architects of India’s internet economy and often called the “Father of Indian Startups.”
From Middle-Class Roots to Entrepreneurship
Born on 29 June 1963 in New Delhi, Sanjeev Bikhchandani grew up in a middle-class household that placed strong emphasis on education and discipline. He studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later completed his MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.
After working briefly in corporate marketing roles, Bikhchandani made a decisive shift away from the comfort of a stable job. In 1995, with limited capital and basic infrastructure, he founded Info Edge (India) Ltd., choosing entrepreneurship at a time when India’s internet ecosystem was still in its infancy.
Building India’s Online Classifieds Powerhouse
Info Edge’s defining moment came in 1997 with the launch of Naukri.com, which fundamentally changed how recruitment worked in India by moving job search and hiring online. At a time when internet usage was minimal, the platform helped create trust in digital marketplaces.
Over the years, Info Edge expanded into other verticals that influence major life decisions. Its portfolio includes 99acres.com for real estate, Jeevansathi.com for matrimony, and Shiksha.com for education. Together, these platforms established Info Edge as India’s leading online classifieds company, built on long-term thinking, strong brands, and user-centric innovation.
The ₹86 Crore Investment That Changed Everything
Beyond building platforms, Info Edge developed a strong reputation as a patient and disciplined startup investor. Between 2010 and 2013, the company invested a total of ₹86 crore in Zomato, at a time when online food discovery and delivery in India was still an untested idea.
Despite multiple funding rounds and Zomato’s public listing in 2021, Info Edge continued to hold a significant stake in the company. This reflected Bikhchandani’s belief in backing strong founders early and staying invested through cycles rather than chasing short-term gains.
From ₹86 Crore to ₹32,000 Crore
As of the September quarter of the 2026 financial year, Info Edge held around 12.38% in Zomato’s parent entity, Eternal. This translates to approximately 119.46 crore shares. At a market price of about ₹282.85 per share, the stake is valued at close to ₹32,000 crore.
The investment is now widely regarded as one of the most successful startup bets in India’s corporate history, demonstrating the power of conviction, timing, and long-term ownership.
Legacy and Impact on India’s Startup Ecosystem
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2020, Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s influence extends far beyond financial returns. Through Info Edge, he has helped shape India’s startup ecosystem by mentoring founders, backing early-stage ideas, and proving that internet businesses built on trust and scale can create lasting value.
His journey underscores a simple but powerful lesson: enduring success is not built by chasing trends, but by identifying transformative ideas early, and staying the course.
