Get All Access for $5/mo

With Byju's, OYO, Ola in its Kitty, Sequoia is the Top Investor in India Sequoia Capital India is the top investor on the Hurun India top unicorn investors list 2020 with eight unicorns investments, followed by Softbank, Steadview Capital and Saif Partners

By Shipra Singh

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Unsplash

The Indian arm of US investment giant Sequoia capital has emerged as the top investor in India with eight unicorns—unlisted startups valued over USD1 billion—in its kitty, as per the Hurun Research Institute.

Hurun has released its India top unicorn investors list 2020 that lists out all the investment firms that have invested in three or more India-based unicorns.

Also Read: 40 of the 61 Unicorns Founded by Indians are Based Overseas

"These investors play a significant role in accelerating the creation of new wealth in India. The success of these investors goes on to show that Indian HNIs should actively start allocating part of their portfolio towards start-ups," said Anas Rahman, MD and chief researcher, Hurun Report India.

Sequoia Capital has closed seven funds in India since its debut in the country in 2006 and holds investments in over 150 startups. Earlier in July, the VC fund announced two new India dedicated funds— venture fund of USD 525 million and growth fund of USD 825 million—totalling USD1.3 billion.

After Sequoia Capital India, Japan's Softbank and UK's Steadview Capital shared the second position on the list having invested in seven unicorns each.

Top 6 Hurun India Unicorn Investors 2020

Rank

Investor

No. of Unicorn Investments

HQ Country

Unicorn Investments

1

Sequoia Capital India

8

India

Byju's, OYO Rooms, Ola Cabs, Mu Sigma, Zomato, Unacademy, Druva, Freshworks

2

SoftBank

7

Japan

Paytm, OYO Rooms, Ola Cabs, Delhivery, FirstCry, Lenskart, PolicyBazaar

2

Steadview Capital

7

UK

Ola Cabs, Lenskart, PolicyBazaar, Unacademy, Dream11, Nykaa, Freshworks

4

SAIF Partners

6

India

Paytm, Paytm Mall, Swiggy, FirstCry, Rivigo, Unacademy

5

Matrix Partners

5

India

Ola Cabs, Zomato, Ola Electric, Freshworks, BigBasket

5

Nexus Venture Partners

5

USA

Zomato, Delhivery, Unacademy, Druva, Postman

5

Tiger Global Management

5

USA

Byju's, Ola Cabs, PolicyBazaar, Delhivery, Freshworks

Source: Hurun Research

In 2019, Softbank made just one fresh investment in India by pumping USD 275 million in Lenskart through its Vision Fund.

London-headquartered Steadview Capital, founded by Ravi Mehta, has invested a total USD 2 billion in India.

Also Read: Lightspeed Closes Third India-focused Fund With $275 Mn

Saif Partners, Matrix Partners, Indian subsidiary of US's Matrix Partners, Ratan Tata's RNT Associates, media conglomerate Bennett Coleman and Company and Chiratae Ventures are the other Indian funds to have made it to the list.

Indian Investors With 3 or More Unicorn Investments


Source: Hurun Research

Hurun has used regulatory filings and feedback from the VC funds in their research. The report has listed only those unicorn companies that were founded and "not-exited' after the year 2000. For this year, Flipkart has not been included in the list as it ceased to be a startup and unicorn after the Walmart deal in 2018.

Shipra Singh

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Journalist

News and Trends

"45% of All Ongoing Hydropower Projects in India are Ours": Patel Engineering

Patel Engineering reported a turnover of INR 4,400 crore in the last fiscal year, with a projected 10 per cent growth for the current year.

Leadership

Visionaries or Vague Promises? Why Companies Fail Without Leaders Who See Beyond the Bottom Line

Visionary leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact by building resilience, clarity and future-ready teams.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.