Dutch technology investment firm Prosus has invested $8.6 billion in India, marking it as one of its most significant markets globally. This substantial investment underscores Prosus’s commitment to India’s burgeoning digital economy and its confidence in the country’s long-term growth prospects.
Swiggy: A Landmark Investment
One of Prosus’s most notable investments in India is in the food delivery platform Swiggy. Having invested approximately $1.3 billion since 2017, Prosus held a 31% stake in the company. In November 2024, Swiggy went public, and Prosus sold a 5% stake during the IPO, generating over $500 million. The remaining 25% stake is now valued at approximately $2.2 billion, reflecting a significant return on investment.
Rapido: Accelerating Growth in Ride-Hailing
Prosus recently invested $30 million in the bike-taxi platform Rapido. Rapido has demonstrated impressive growth, with over 100% year-on-year increase in ride-hailing services and averaging more than 3 million rides per day.
Upcoming IPOs: Bluestone, Urban Company, and Meesho
Prosus’s Indian portfolio includes companies like Bluestone, Urban Company, and Meesho, all of which are preparing for initial public offerings (IPOs). These developments indicate Prosus’s strategic positioning to capitalize on India’s evolving startup ecosystem.
Strategic Divestments and Portfolio Management
In addition to new investments, Prosus has been actively managing its portfolio through strategic divestments. The company generated around $2.4 billion by reducing stakes in Swiggy, Trip, Tazz, and Udemy, and by selling its payments businesses in Latin America and Africa.
India’s Role in Prosus’s Global Strategy
CEO Fabricio Bloisi emphasized India’s importance in Prosus’s global strategy, stating, “India presents Prosus with incredible opportunity.” The company’s investments in India are part of a broader ambition to build a leading lifestyle e-commerce ecosystem across India, Europe, and Latin America. The Economic Times
