Info Edge CFO exit has sent ripples through India’s tech and startup ecosystem, with Chintan Thakkar stepping down after 12 transformative years to lead IAN Group as CEO. At Startup INDIAX, with over 15 years of covering tech and startup trends, we dive into the reasons behind this bold move, its implications for Info Edge, and its impact on India’s startup landscape. Readers will discover why Thakkar’s shift matters, backed by data, expert insights, and real-world examples, offering entrepreneurs and digital professionals actionable takeaways.
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What Prompted Chintan Thakkar’s Exit from Info Edge?
The sudden Info Edge CFO exit has sparked widespread curiosity. After over a decade as Chief Financial Officer, Chintan Thakkar announced his resignation on August 19, 2025, to pursue a new career trajectory. But what drove this decision? Here are the five shocking reasons behind his departure:
- A Shift to Venture Investing: Thakkar’s move to IAN Group as CEO signals a pivot from corporate finance to venture capital, a space where he can directly shape India’s startup ecosystem. His experience leading Info Edge’s startup investment arm makes this a natural progression.
- Scaling IAN Group’s Vision: IAN Group aims to invest INR 5,000 Cr in 500 startups, creating 500,000 jobs. Thakkar’s leadership is expected to accelerate this ambitious goal, leveraging his expertise in scaling businesses.
- A New Challenge After 12 Years: After steering Info Edge from a small-cap to a large-cap company, Thakkar sought a fresh challenge. His resignation letter highlighted an 18x market cap growth during his tenure, suggesting he felt ready for a new chapter.
- Strategic Timing for Info Edge: With Info Edge in a strong financial position (₹4,828 Cr cash balance in Q1 FY26), Thakkar’s exit comes at a time when the company can manage a smooth transition, minimizing disruption.
- Personal Passion for Startups: Thakkar’s deep involvement in Info Edge’s investments in startups like Zomato reflects his passion for fostering innovation, making IAN Group’s mission a perfect fit.
Who Is Chintan Thakkar and His Legacy at Info Edge?
Chintan Thakkar, a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience, joined Info Edge in 2014 as CFO. He played a pivotal role in transforming the company, parent to platforms like Naukri.com and 99acres, into a powerhouse with a market cap of ₹1,03,048.53 Cr as of November 2024. Thakkar led strategic initiatives like capital market transactions and fund-raising, establishing Info Edge as a prolific startup investor through its arm, Startup Investment (Holding) Limited. His leadership ensured robust corporate governance and financial transparency, earning stakeholder trust.
Key Achievement: Under Thakkar’s guidance, Info Edge’s cash from operations grew 13.2% in Q4 FY24, reflecting his financial stewardship.
Why Did Chintan Thakkar Choose IAN Group as CEO?
Thakkar’s move to IAN Group as Group CEO and Senior Managing Partner of IAN Alpha Fund is a strategic leap into early-stage investing. IAN Group, founded in 2006, has invested INR 900 Cr in over 225 startups, including Propelld, Wooden Street, and Zypp. Thakkar’s role will involve overseeing seed and early-stage investments and guiding the recently launched IAN Alpha Fund, which targets $1 Mn to $5 Mn investments per startup.
Padmaja Ruparel, Co-Founder of IAN Group, said, “With the induction of Chintan, our management team is significantly strengthened, giving us the bandwidth to achieve our vision of INR 5,000 Cr investment.” This move positions Thakkar to influence India’s startup ecosystem directly, leveraging his experience from Info Edge’s investments in unicorns like Zomato.
What Is IAN Group’s Role in India’s Startup Ecosystem?
IAN Group, initially an angel network, evolved into a venture capital firm with its first fund in 2017 (INR 375 Cr) and the IAN Alpha Fund in 2022 (target INR 1,000 Cr). It has backed over 225 startups, fostering innovation in sectors like edtech, e-commerce, and mobility. Thakkar’s appointment aligns with IAN’s goal to scale its impact, aiming to support 500 startups and create 500,000 jobs.
Fun Fact: IAN Group’s portfolio includes startups like Zypp, which raised $25 Mn in 2023, showcasing its knack for spotting high-growth ventures.
How Will Info Edge Navigate This Leadership Change?
The Info Edge CFO exit has raised questions about the company’s future. To ensure a smooth transition, Info Edge appointed Ambarish Raghuvanshi as interim CFO, effective November 20, 2025. Raghuvanshi, who previously served as CFO from 2001 to 2014, brings familiarity and stability. The company is actively searching for a permanent CFO, with the board emphasizing continuity in financial strategy.
Hitesh Oberoi, CEO of Info Edge, noted, “Chintan was not just a finance professional but a key member of the leadership team. His departure will leave a void.” Despite this, Info Edge’s strong financials—₹1,004.07 Cr in Q1 FY26 revenue—position it to weather the transition.
Who Is the Interim CFO and What’s Next for Info Edge?
Ambarish Raghuvanshi’s return as interim CFO leverages his prior experience steering Info Edge through its IPO and early growth phases. The company’s focus remains on expanding non-IT hiring (45-50% of revenue) and scaling platforms like 99acres and Jeevansathi, which are nearing EBITDA neutrality. Info Edge’s robust cash reserves and 32.45% profit growth in Q1 FY26 provide a buffer to navigate this change.
What Does This Move Mean for Indian Startups?
Thakkar’s shift to IAN Group could reshape India’s startup ecosystem. His expertise in scaling businesses and startup investments positions him to drive IAN’s aggressive growth plans. This move highlights a broader trend: seasoned corporate leaders transitioning to venture capital to fuel innovation. For startups, Thakkar’s leadership at IAN could mean more funding opportunities and strategic guidance, especially for early-stage ventures.
Key Statistics on Startup Investments in India
- Funding Surge: Indian startups raised $10.5 Bn in 2024, with early-stage investments growing 12% YoY.
- IAN’s Impact: IAN Group’s INR 900 Cr investments have supported over 225 startups, creating thousands of jobs.
- Info Edge’s Portfolio: Info Edge’s investments in Zomato and PolicyBazaar have yielded 10x returns, showcasing the power of strategic funding.
Expert Insights on Leadership Transitions in Tech
Leadership changes in tech are often catalysts for innovation. Dr. Aniruddha Malpani, a veteran investor, commented, “Executives like Thakkar moving to VC roles bring operational expertise, which is invaluable for startups navigating growth challenges.” This aligns with Thakkar’s track record of scaling Info Edge’s market cap 18x.
At Startup INDIAX, we’ve seen similar transitions, like Paytm’s COO moving to new ventures, signal a shift toward specialized roles in India’s maturing startup ecosystem. Thakkar’s move underscores the growing interplay between corporate leadership and venture capital.
Conclusion: Join the Conversation
Chintan Thakkar’s Info Edge CFO exit marks a pivotal moment for India’s tech and startup sectors. His leap to IAN Group as CEO reflects a broader trend of leaders seeking to shape the future of innovation. What do you think about this transition? Will it reshape India’s startup landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments, explore more stories on Startup INDIAX, or subscribe for the latest tech insights!
FAQs
What triggered Chintan Thakkar’s exit from Info Edge?
Thakkar resigned to pursue a new career as CEO of IAN Group, focusing on venture capital and early-stage startup investments.
Who is replacing Chintan Thakkar at Info Edge?
Ambarish Raghuvanshi, former CFO from 2001-2014, is the interim CFO starting November 20, 2025, until a permanent replacement is found.
What is IAN Group’s mission under Thakkar’s leadership?
IAN Group aims to invest INR 5,000 Cr in 500 startups, creating 500,000 jobs, with Thakkar leading seed and early-stage investments.
How will Info Edge be affected by this CFO exit?
With strong financials and an experienced interim CFO, Info Edge is well-positioned to maintain stability while searching for a new CFO.
Why is Thakkar’s move significant for startups?
His expertise in scaling businesses and startup investments will likely boost IAN Group’s support for early-stage ventures, fostering innovation.