Five global investment firms betting on India

FDI declines to USD 70.9 billion in 2024 but long-term outlook remains strong

From funding unicorns to healthcare and green mobility, global venture capital and investment firms play a vital role in shaping the future of India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

India for long has remained an attractive destination for global investors, but the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) has seen some notable shifts in recent years. In 2021, India attracted a record FDI inflow of approximately USD 81.97 billion, according to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.

This marked one of the highest levels of FDI in the country’s history, driven by strong interest in sectors like technology, infrastructure, financial services, and consumer products. Though by 2024, FDI had fallen to around USD 70.9 billion, India remains a pivotal destination for overseas investment funds looking to deploy their capital with the objective of maximising returns on their investments.

While the foreign investments in India arrive from hundreds of sources each year, a few firms have been the highest believers in the Indian story, channeling billions of dollars each year into a variety of opportunities in the country. Here are some of the biggest investors in India.

Temasek Holdings

Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s state-owned investment firm, is one of the most active foreign investors in India. As of March 2024, Temasek had invested nearly USD 37 billion in the country, which now accounts for about 7 pc of its global portfolio. Recently, Temasek acquired close to 10 pc of foods company Haldiram’s for around USD 1 billion, valuing the company at USD 10 billion.

The firm has also invested in Manipal Hospitals, Mahindra Electric, Ola Electric and Lenskart. Temasek plans to invest up to USD 10 billion more in India over the next three years, with a focus on green energy, digital infrastructure and healthcare.

SoftBank Group

SoftBank Group, a Japanese investment company, led by Masayoshi Son, made its name in India by backing some of the country’s most recognisable startups. At its peak in 2021, SoftBank’s investments in India were valued at around USD 3 billion. The group took bold positions in companies like OYO, Swiggy, Unacademy, Meesho and fintech firm Zeta.

In recent years, SoftBank has slowed its pace, cutting new investment activity in 2022 by nearly 84 pc due to global market volatility and due to some of its bold bets at a global scale turning bad. Despite this, its portfolio companies continue to have a major presence in the Indian economy.

Sequoia Capital India

Sequoia Capital India, now known as Peak XV Partners, has been one of the most influential early-stage investors in the country. With around USD 13.6 billion in assets under management as of 2023, the firm has played a critical role in building companies like Zomato, Ola and Byju’s.

In 2025, the firm led a USD 190 million funding round in Peregrine, that provides security guards to private companies and residences, boosting its valuation to USD 2.5 billion. With a big presence in sectors such as consumer tech, enterprise software and digital health, Sequoia continues to be a dominant player in India’s startup ecosystem.

Mubadala Investment Company

Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi, has steadily increased its footprint in India, emerging as one of the most strategic investors from the GCC region. As of 2024, Mubadala has invested over USD 4 billion across multiple sectors in India. Notable investments include its USD 1.2 billion stake in Reliance Jio Platforms and a USD 525 million investment in Tata Power’s renewable energy unit.

Mubadala has also backed ventures in pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and logistics, including investments through joint ventures and partnerships with Indian conglomerates. Mubadala is expected to deepen its commitment, aligning with the UAE-India CEPA agreement to further enhance bilateral economic collaboration.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), one of Canada’s largest pension funds, has invested about USD 5.3 billion in India, focusing on long-term, sustainable growth. Key investments include a 6.3 pc stake in ReNew Power Ventures, a leading renewable energy company, and a substantial investment in L&T Infrastructure Development Projects, supporting India’s infrastructure expansion. CPPIB’s portfolio also includes significant stakes in infrastructure trusts like IndInfravit.

By partnering with major Indian companies and funds, CPPIB aims to capitalise on India’s expanding economy and infrastructure needs, positioning itself as a key foreign institutional investor driving sustainable development in the region.