Most of us are curious of how decisions are made in major VC funds, as these funds are private and only share this information with their Limited Partners (LPs).
For the unknown, there are VC funds known as Corporate Venture Capital funds, which are the venture arms of corporate firms; they are required to disclose the performance of their CVC funds to the general public.
Prosus, one of the largest funds in this category, has just released its 2024 Annual Report, so thought it would be helpful to share the key takeaways with you all. So, here we go:
1/ Swiggy: On the Launchpad
Swiggy continues to impress with a 26% surge in its gross order value and a robust user base that's grown to 104 million. The food delivery giant isn't just expanding—it's preparing to soar with a confidential IPO filing. Swiggy's blend of core deliveries and quick-commerce ventures positions it as a frontrunner in the food-tech race.
2/ Byju's: A Reality Check
The tides have turned for Byju’s, once a darling of the edtech world, now facing a stark reality with a $493 million valuation write-down by Prosus. This significant markdown is a wake-up call to the high-flying valuations in the edtech sector, spotlighting the need for sustainable financial health over speculative growth.
3/ PayU: Quietly Confident
While specific updates on PayU were sparse, its role in Prosus’s fintech ambitions remains pivotal. PayU continues to weave through Prosus's strategy, likely focusing on enlarging its digital payment solutions and tapping into burgeoning financial service opportunities in emerging markets.
4/ PharmEasy: Unsung Potential
PharmEasy's story remains under the radar in this year’s dispatch. However, as a component of Prosus's health tech ventures, it’s poised to play a crucial role in expanding accessible digital healthcare solutions, streamlining services from prescriptions to doorstep delivery.
The Bigger Picture? Prosus's strategy paints a vivid portrait of India's evolving startup ecosystem. It's no longer just about rapid growth and sky-high valuations. The game has changed:
1/ Sustainability is king: Byju's fall from grace is a stark reminder that financial health trumps speculative growth.
2/ IPO readiness matters: Swiggy's preparations show the market's appetite for well-prepared tech giants.
3/ Quiet expansion: PayU and PharmEasy's low-key presence suggests strategic focus on steady growth over flashy headlines.
4/ Diversification is key: Prosus's varied portfolio highlights the importance of spreading bets across sectors.
Checkout their annual report at https://www.prosus.com/~/media/Files/P/Prosus-CORP/AR2024/1latestfinancialresults/04annualreport/fy2024annualreport.pdf - happy reading!
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