Sanjeev Bikhchandani (InfoEdge Ventures)
Overview
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, best known as the founder and executive vice-chairman of Info Edge, one of India's leading internet companies. He is also recognized for his contributions to the education sector as a co-founder of Ashoka University. Bikhchandani launched Info Edge in 1995, initially focusing on a job-recruitment site, Naukri.com, which emerged as a leading employment portal in India. Beyond Naukri, Info Edge expanded to include matrimonial, real estate, and educational services. In addition to his business ventures, Bikhchandani is an influential figure in the Indian startup ecosystem, backing many successful startups through Info Edge Ventures.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Info Edge shareholders approved a significant INR 1,000 crore investment in Info Edge Ventures Fund III, aiming to bolster the company's backing of early-stage startups in India. This development underscores Bikhchandani's vision of fostering new ventures in India's growing tech landscape (Economic Times).
- April 2025: Bikhchandani revealed that Info Edge had invested in 18 deep-tech companies over the past five years, focusing on sectors like AI, space technology, and drug discovery. His efforts reflect an increasing interest in deep-tech investments, crucial for India's tech advancements (YourStory).
- June 2025: Amid controversies surrounding the arrest of a professor at Ashoka University, Bikhchandani, a co-founder of the university, addressed the institution's approach to academic freedom, asserting the need for clear policies on faculty's political engagements (The Hindu).
- October 2025: Bikhchandani was actively involved in discussions at TiEcon Delhi, emphasizing India's potential to become a global tech powerhouse and the importance of reducing foreign dependence for technological advancement (Economic Times).
- November 2025: Info Edge Ventures joined the India Deep Tech Alliance, seeking to foster innovation in AI and robotics sectors through strategic investments and collaborations with global tech leaders like NVIDIA and Qualcomm (TechCrunch).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanjeev Bikhchandani |
| Born | 29th June 1963, New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Known For | Founder of Info Edge and Naukri.com |
| Net Worth | $4.25 Billion (as of October 2024) |
| Education | BA in Economics from St. Stephen's College, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad |
Early Life and Education
Sanjeev Bikhchandani was born in New Delhi, India. He attended St. Columba’s School in Delhi from where he graduated in 1981. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. Post-graduation, he completed his MBA in 1989 from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, which is among India’s most prestigious business schools. Post-MBA, Bikhchandani worked at Hindustan Milkfood Manufacturers (now part of GlaxoSmithKline) where he was involved in marketing the iconic Horlicks brand. His early professional experiences and the networking he established at IIM Ahmedabad played a crucial role in developing his entrepreneurial instincts.
Career and Notable Achievements
After leaving his corporate role in 1990, Sanjeev Bikhchandani embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. In 1995, he founded Info Edge, which started with Naukri.com in 1997, India's first online job portal.
- 1997: Launched Naukri.com, which became the largest job portal in India.
- 2005: Expanded Info Edge's portfolio with 99acres.com, focusing on real estate, and launched matrimonial site Jeevansathi.com.
- 2008: Won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for pioneering efforts in the Indian internet space.
- 2010s: Played a critical role in Info Edge’s investments in successful startups like Zomato and Policybazaar, becoming significant players in their respective fields.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Sanjeev Bikhchandani continues to play a strategic role in guiding Info Edge, specifically focusing on new investments and expanding Info Edge Ventures. He is actively involved in funding initiatives that drive innovation in sectors such as AI and deeptech in India. Bikhchandani’s support for Ashoka University has also been pivotal in promoting liberal arts education in India. His investment philosophies are deeply integrated with fostering technology-driven solutions that are expected to shape the Indian economy’s future.
Conclusion
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is a significant figure in the Indian entrepreneurial and investment landscape. His work with Info Edge and various startups has helped pave the way for India’s burgeoning internet economy. Through his investments and educational initiatives, Bikhchandani has impacted both tech entrepreneurship and higher education, and he remains a vocal advocate for developing India’s deep-tech capabilities. Looking forward, his contributions will likely continue to influence India’s position as a leader in technology and innovation globally.