Info Edge: Pioneering Digital Innovation and Growth in India

Info Edge (India) Limited is a pioneering Indian technology company renowned for its diverse portfolio of online businesses and strategic investments.

Its flagship platform, Naukri.com, is one of India’s largest online job portals, complemented by other innovative platforms like 99acres.com for real estate classifieds, Jeevansathi.com for matrimonial services, and Shiksha.com, an education-focused portal. Info Edge’s operational excellence is amplified by its strategic approach to digital advertising, subscription-based services, and premium offerings tailored to meet the evolving needs of users and businesses alike.

Beyond its core platforms, Info Edge has a robust track record of identifying and nurturing high-growth ventures and the company has made notable investments in transformative startups, demonstrating a sharp eye for innovation and long-term value creation.

In this Startuptalky, we will learn more about Info Edge's success story, its founders, business model, innovative revenue model, growth, challenges, investments, strategic partnerships, and more.

Info Edge - Company Highlights

Info Edge - About
Info Edge - Industry
Info Edge - Founders and Team
Info Edge - Startup Story
Info Edge - Mission and Vision
Info Edge - Name, Tagline and Logo
Info Edge - Business Model
Info Edge - Revenue Model
Info Edge - Challenges Faced
Info Edge - Funding and Investors
Info Edge - Investments
Info Edge - Acquisitions and Mergers
Info Edge - Growth
Info Edge - Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
Info Edge - Awards and Achievements
Info Edge - Competitors
Info Edge - Future Plans

Info Edge - About

Info Edge, a trailblazer in India’s consumer internet space, has been shaping the online classifieds market for nearly three decades. Established on May 1, 1995, as Info Edge (India) Private Limited, it transitioned into a public limited entity on April 27, 2006. The journey began with Naukri.com, India’s first online recruitment portal and since then, the company has carved a remarkable path, expanding into diverse sectors like matrimony, real estate, education, and more.

What sets Info Edge apart is its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, backed by a seasoned leadership team and a sharp focus on leveraging technology. With a footprint spanning 62 offices across 43 Indian cities and a workforce of over 4,000 professionals, the company thrives on creating cutting-edge products and solutions. From integrating mobile-first strategies to harnessing the power of social media, Info Edge remains at the forefront of digital transformation.

The company’s reach isn’t limited to India. Through NaukriGulf.com, Info Edge has ventured into international markets, establishing a presence in key Gulf regions with offices in Dubai, Bahrain, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi. Whether driving recruitment, enabling property searches, or facilitating lifelong partnerships, Info Edge continues to redefine how online platforms serve users, setting the standard for excellence in the industry.

Info Edge - Industry

India's real estate sector is a powerhouse, ranking second globally in generating employment and significantly contributing to the nation's GDP. Currently accounting for around 5% of the GDP, this industry is projected to soar to a staggering $1 trillion by 2030. By 2025, its share in the GDP is expected to rise to an impressive 13%, underscoring its critical role in the country's economic landscape.

The growth trajectory of Indian real estate has been remarkable, with the sector expanding at an annual rate of approximately 30%. This upward momentum is fueled by the booming outsourcing industry, which encompasses technical consultancy, medical transcription, and call centers. These sectors alone have driven the demand for an additional 10 million square feet of real estate, further propelling the industry’s expansion.

Info Edge - Founders and Team

Sanjeev Bikhchandani

Sanjiv Bikhchandani is the Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Info Edge.

Sanjeev’s journey began in Delhi, where he graduated from St. Columba’s School in 1981. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, in 1984, followed by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in 1989. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave a marketing role at Hindustan Milkfood Manufacturers (now GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare India) in 1990 to embark on his ventures.

Initially venturing into pharmaceutical trademarks and salary surveys, Sanjeev founded Info Edge in 1995. Two years later, he launched Naukri.com, a pioneering jobs portal hosted on an Indian server. The platform quickly gained traction and by 2005, it was India’s largest web-based employment site. Info Edge expanded its portfolio with platforms like 99acres.com (real estate), Jeevansathi.com (matrimony) and Shiksha.com (education).

Beyond his success with Info Edge, Sanjeev is an accomplished investor, backing unicorns like PolicyBazaar and Zomato. He also supports budding innovators as part of the 'Vision Circle' of FYI (Foundation for Young Innovators), a unique initiative encouraging high school students to develop social enterprises.

Sanjeev Bikhchandani | Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Info Edge | Naukri.com |

Sanjeev Bikhchandani is an Indian Internet Entrepreneur who founded Info Edge (India) Limited in 1995. The company has launched different online portals like, Naukri.com, Jeevansathi.com, Shiksha.com, 99Acres.com and Naukrigulf.com.

StartupTalkyMegha Rani

Hitesh Oberoi

Hitesh Oberoi is the Managing Director and CEO of the company.

Hitesh Oberoi, an accomplished leader in the internet industry, serves as the Co-Promoter, Managing Director, and CEO of Info Edge, the company behind iconic platforms like Naukri.com, 99acres.com, and Jeevansathi.com. With nearly two decades of experience in the internet space, Hitesh has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital ecosystem.

Before joining Info Edge, Hitesh spent almost four years at Hindustan Unilever Limited, where he worked as Regional Planning and Distribution Manager for the Ice Cream Division. His strong academic foundation includes a B.Tech from IIT Delhi (1994 batch) and an MBA from IIM Bangalore.

Hitesh’s contributions extend beyond business operations. He is a charter member of TiE (New Delhi) and has previously served as Chairman of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). He is also a founding member of the Board of Trustees at Ashoka University, further reflecting his commitment to fostering education and innovation.

Info Edge - Startup Story

Info Edge was founded by Sanjeev Bikhchandani in 1995, initially by reproducing classified ads from newspapers on its website. Together with Hitesh Oberoi and their CFO, Ambarish Raghuvanshi, Sanjeev built Info Edge into a dotcom enterprise that, by 2008, employed 1,500 people, generated revenues of INR 273 crores and boasted a market capitalization of INR 2,100 crores. Info Edge's flagship platforms include Naukri.com, Jeevansathi.com, Brijj.com, 99acres.com, and Shiksha.com.

Reflecting on the early days, Sanjeev recounted the challenges, including the difficulty of securing an INR 30,000 bank limit in 1991. At the time, Naukri was a small operation and he realized the need for like-minded individuals and a fundamentally different business model. That’s when Hitesh joined the journey.

Hitesh, then working at Hindustan Unilever, considered an offer to join a new venture started by Pradeep Kar of Microland. However, after consulting with Sanjeev, who suggested he consider joining Naukri instead, Hitesh decided to take the leap. He set up operations from Sanjeev’s home and took charge of marketing. Drawing from his commercial experience, Hitesh hired a few sales representatives who sold annual subscriptions for INR 6,000. By investing INR 20,000 per salesperson, including office costs, they were able to generate INR 50,000 in revenue per hire. Realizing the profitability of this model, the team continued scaling the salesforce, which eventually became a cornerstone of the company’s growth. Today, Naukri.com is responsible for one in three lateral hires in corporate India.

Ambarish Raghuvanshi, who became the third pillar of Info Edge, joined after Sanjeev persuaded him to consider the company’s headhunting division. At the time, Ambarish had taken voluntary retirement from Bank of America and was exploring new opportunities. Sanjeev convinced him to lead the financial services practice within the headhunting division and later invited him to take on the role of CFO—a position Ambarish accepted, bringing fiscal discipline that gained recognition in the stock market.

Sanjeev described his decision to bring Hitesh on board as pivotal, recognizing his energy, ambition, and willingness to leave a stable corporate job to join a startup. These qualities reminded Sanjeev of himself a decade earlier. He emphasized that the team’s hiring philosophy evolved, prioritizing values such as teamwork, competence, humility, and an entrepreneurial spirit while steering clear of self-promoters and those unwilling to share credit.

Under Sanjeev’s leadership, Info Edge launched Naukri.com in 1997 with support from family and friends, followed by Jeevansathi.com in 1998, 99acres.com in 2005, and Shiksha.com in 2008. The company went public in 2006 under the ticker symbol "Naukri" and expanded its reach with ventures like NaukriGulf.com in 2006 and FirstNaukri.com in 2009 for campus recruitment.

Info Edge - Mission and Vision

Vision
Info Edge envisions creating world-class platforms that transform lives, empowering individuals and organizations through innovative and impactful solutions.

Mission
Info Edge strives to continuously delight its customers in both current and new businesses by delivering superior value through enhanced offerings on the internet and other platforms.

Info Edge - Name, Tagline and Logo

The sleek and modern design of Info Edge's logo mirrors its forward-thinking approach and innovative spirit. Its carefully chosen color palette conveys trust, stability, and dynamism—qualities integral to the company's identity. Each element of the logo is thoughtfully crafted to resonate with their core values: customer delight, entrepreneurship, knowledge, results, and trust.

Info Edge Tagline: The tagline "Transform Lives" reflects Info Edge's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. Through platforms like Naukri.com, Jeevansathi.com, and 99acres.com, they connect job seekers with opportunities, help families find compatible matches, and assist in real estate transactions. These endeavors empower users and foster positive transformations in their lives.

Info Edge - Business Model

Info Edge is a leader in the recruitment sector with platforms such as:

• Naukri.com: A premier employment website catering to job seekers and recruiters.
• Naukrigulf.com: A job portal tailored to the Middle East market.
• Quadrangle: An offline executive search service connecting top talent with organizations.
• FirstNaukri.com: A dedicated platform for fresher hiring, bridging the gap between employers and new graduates.

The company has extended its expertise into real estate, education, and matrimony through:

• 99acres.com: A comprehensive real estate classifieds platform for buying, selling, and renting properties.
• Shiksha.com: An educational portal aiding students in making informed decisions about courses and institutions.
• Jeevansathi.com: An online matrimonial service facilitating meaningful connections.

Info Edge has made strategic investments in numerous successful online ventures, including:

• Zomato: A leading food delivery and restaurant discovery platform.
• Policybazaar: An innovative insurance aggregation and comparison service.
• Shopkirana, Shipsy, Gramophone, and Adda247, among others, expanding their footprint in diverse digital domains.

Info Edge - Revenue Model

Info Edge is an Indian technology powerhouse with a diversified revenue model built on multiple streams that capitalize on its robust online platforms and strategic investments.

1. Advertising
   Info Edge leverages display ads, sponsored listings, and banner advertisements across its websites, such as Naukri.com and 99acres.com, to generate substantial revenue from advertisers seeking to reach its vast user base.
2. Subscription Fees
   These features, offered on platforms like Naukri.com and 99acres.com, include premium search tools, analytics, and targeted user engagement functionalities.
3. Premium Services
   These include profile boosters for job seekers and premium matchmaking services on Jeevansathi.com.
4. Strategic Investments
   Info Edge’s forward-looking investment strategy involves holding minority stakes in successful ventures like Zomato and PolicyBazaar.

Info Edge - Challenges Faced

• Writing Off Investments
  Info Edge recently wrote off an investment of INR 276 crore in 4B Networks. This decision was driven by concerns over the company's sustainability, high cash burn rate, and difficulties in raising capital, reflecting the challenges of managing portfolio investments in dynamic markets.
• Slowdown in IT Hiring
  As the operator of Naukri.com, Info Edge has been affected by reduced hiring activity in the IT sector. This slowdown is attributed to softer demand within the IT industry, impacting one of the company's core revenue streams.
• Evolving Consumer Preferences
  Meeting the rapidly changing preferences of users has been a persistent challenge. Info Edge has had to focus on creating products that are device-agnostic and adaptive to modern consumer behavior, which requires continuous innovation and agility.
• Quarterly Financial Performance
  Info Edge has encountered challenges in its quarterly financial results, including a decline in profit and earnings per share (EPS). This underscores the difficulty of balancing growth with operational efficiency in fluctuating economic conditions.

Business Model of Naukri.com | How does Naukri.com makes Money

Naukri.com is India’s top employment website used by millions of Indians to find jobs but do you know how it makes money?. Lets find out.

StartupTalkyPratyusha Srivastava

Info Edge - Funding and Investors

The funding details of Info Edge are as below:

Info Edge - Investments

Info Edge has made investments in the following companies:

Info Edge - Acquisitions and Mergers

Info Edge has acquired the following companies:

Info Edge - Growth

In FY23, Info Edge reported an operating revenue of INR 2,345 crore, which grew by 8.2% to INR 2,536 crore in FY24. Total expenses decreased slightly from INR 1,858 crore in FY23 to INR 1,830 crore in FY24, a 1.5% drop. The company moved from a loss of INR 70 crore in FY23 to a profit of INR 594 crore in FY24, showing significant financial improvement.

Info Edge - Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

Advertising and Marketing Strategies:

• CTV Advertising and Live Sports Marketing: Info Edge used CTV advertising and live sports marketing for its brand 99acres.com, targeting a male audience interested in buying or renting homes.
• Co-branded Vignettes: For Naukri.com, Info Edge partnered with CreativeWorks to create a co-branded vignette for the Hotstar Special Ghar Waapsi.

Revenue Streams:

• Display Ads, Sponsored Listings, and Banners: Info Edge generates revenue from advertising on its platforms, including display ads, sponsored listings, and banners across websites like Naukri.com and 99acres.com.
• Subscription Fees: Info Edge collects subscription fees from employers and real estate agents who pay for advanced features and tools on Naukri.com and 99acres.com.
• Premium Services: Info Edge offers premium services such as Naukri FastForward and Jeevansathi eAdvantage, which are available for a fee.

Info Edge - Awards and Achievements

Info Edge has been awarded with the following awards:

• World's Best Workplaces 2024
• ICAI Excellence Award 2015

Info Edge - Competitors

Some competitors of Info Edge (India) Ltd include:

• Just Dial Ltd
• Matrimony.com Ltd
• IntraSoft Technologies Limited
• Jupiter Infomedia Limited
• PB Fintech Ltd
• Affle (India) Ltd
• Tanla Platforms Ltd

Info Edge - Future Plans

Info Edge (India) is projected to experience robust growth, with earnings expected to grow by 37.6% per annum and revenue increasing by 13.7%-13.8% annually. Additionally, Earnings Per Share (EPS) is forecast to rise by 31.8% per year, with a projected Return on Equity (ROE) of 4.7% over the next three years. This optimistic outlook aligns with the company’s strategic investments and diversified portfolio, including Naukri.com, 99acres, and stakes in Zomato and PolicyBazaar.

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge, emphasized that profitability in real estate and a resurgence in IT hiring would be pivotal drivers for this growth trajectory in the next 3-4 years.

Long-Term Investment Strategy

The flagship platforms, Naukri.com and Jeevansathi, are expected to continue expanding, driven by signs of recovery in the IT sector. The job market is showing green shoots of growth, signaling a potential rebound from the slowdown. Info Edge's strategy of early investments in promising ventures, increasing stakes in successful businesses, and maintaining a patient, long-term approach has been a cornerstone of its success.

FAQs

What is Info Edge?

Info Edge is an India-based company that provides internet-based services through its mobile applications and web portals. Its services include recruitment, real estate, matrimonial, and education.

When was Info Edge founded?

Info Edge was founded by Sanjiv Bikhchandani in 1995.

Who are the competitors of Info Edge?

The main competitors of Info Edge include:

• Just Dial Ltd
• Matrimony.com Ltd
• IntraSoft Technologies Limited
• Jupiter Infomedia Limited
• PB Fintech Ltd
• Affle (India) Ltd
• Tanla Platforms Ltd