Global investment management firm Vanguard Group has made a notable entry into the Indian stock market by acquiring shares of CarTrade Tech Ltd., an online auto-classifieds platform, valued at approximately INR 129 crore. This marks Vanguard’s first investment in CarTrade, highlighting its growing interest in India’s digital automotive sector.

Acquisition Details

On March 21, 2025, Vanguard purchased 7.13 lakh shares of CarTrade through bulk deals, at an average price of INR 1,804 per share. The acquisition included 3.3 lakh shares bought by the Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund and 3.83 lakh shares by the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund, totaling an investment of INR 128.77 crore.

CarTrade’s Strong Performance

This acquisition coincides with a positive trend for CarTrade, whose shares have surged approximately 19.05% year-to-date, even as broader Indian equities faced corrections. The company’s recent financial results showed a net profit of INR 45.53 crore for Q3 FY25, a significant turnaround from a loss of INR 23.55 crore in the same quarter last year.

Market Context

Vanguard’s investment reflects a broader trend among institutional investors capitalizing on rising stock prices in the Indian market. As CarTrade continues to demonstrate robust growth, it is likely to attract further interest from both domestic and international investors looking to capitalize on India’s evolving tech landscape.

In summary, Vanguard Group’s strategic acquisition of CarTrade shares underscores its commitment to investing in India’s burgeoning digital economy and confidence in the company’s future growth prospects.

Tinder has introduced Tinder U, a new feature tailored for university and college students in India. This in-app experience simplifies connections by letting students match with peers from their own campus or nearby colleges. Verified users can personalize their profiles with details like graduation year, major, and campus activities to find matches based on shared interests.

Key features include:

• Simplified Connections: Users can express interest with ‘Like’ or ‘Super Like,’ eliminating awkward DMs.
• Local Matches: Prioritizes connections within the university and nearby colleges.
• Safe Environment: Only verified students can join, ensuring authenticity.

To access Tinder U, students must verify their college email address (e.g., ending in .edu.in or .ac.in). Once enrolled, they unlock a customized dating experience, including an exclusive app icon for iOS users. This feature aims to foster genuine connections and enhance campus social life, making it easier to meet study partners, friends, or romantic interests

Uber Technologies is reportedly in early discussions to acquire BluSmart Mobility, a Gurugram-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing startup. The potential deal comes as BluSmart’s parent company, Gensol Engineering, faces financial challenges and explores exiting the capital-intensive EV business.

BluSmart’s Unique Model

Founded in 2019, BluSmart operates an all-electric fleet of over 5,000 vehicles across cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Unlike competitors such as Uber and Ola, BluSmart directly owns its fleet and manages its charging infrastructure. While this model promotes sustainability and premium services, it has led to high operational costs.

Strategic Fit for Uber

Acquiring BluSmart could help Uber expand its EV footprint in India, complementing its “Uber Green” initiative and plans to deploy 25,000 Tata EVs. BluSmart’s fleet and charging network would provide a strategic edge as Uber competes with rivals like Ola and Rapido in the growing EV market.

Financial Pressures on BluSmart

Despite raising over $109 million in funding, BluSmart has struggled with profitability due to high capital expenditures and delays in government EV subsidies. Gensol Engineering’s liquidity issues have further fueled speculation about a potential sale.

Denial of Acquisition Talks

BluSmart has denied any ongoing discussions with Uber, calling such reports speculative. However, industry experts believe the acquisition could reshape India’s EV ride-hailing sector if finalized.

Conclusion

While no deal has been confirmed, Uber’s interest in BluSmart underscores the growing competition in India’s EV mobility space. If successful, this acquisition could strengthen Uber’s sustainability goals while addressing BluSmart’s financial challenges.