Feature

After two blockbuster bets, Info Edge wants to be more. Will investors bite?

With two unicorns in its bag, the internet company is modelling itself as a VC firm. It is a tempting buy, but pricey 

Info Edge co-founders: Sanjeev Bikhchandani (left) & Hitesh Oberoi (right)

It is worth revisiting the history of Naspers. Launched in 1915 as a newspaper, the South Africa-based company has a pay TV business and 50 domestic newspaper titles but its move to invest in technology companies changed its contours. In 2001, the company invested $32 million for 46.5% stake in Tencent, which was then just three years old. Though over the years, Naspers pared its holding in the Chinese internet powerhouse, the residual 30% is worth $120 billion.