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

Investment tech unicorn Groww, India’s largest stock broking platform, is reportedly in early discussions to acquire Fisdom, a Bengaluru-based wealthtech startup backed by PayU. The deal could value Fisdom between $140 million and $160 million and aligns with Groww’s strategy to diversify its offerings ahead of its anticipated IPO later this year.

About Groww and Fisdom

Groww, founded in 2016, is known for simplifying financial services and is India’s leading distributor of mutual fund SIPs. The company aims to expand beyond trading and mutual fund distribution as it prepares for an IPO that could value it between $6 billion and $8 billion.

Fisdom, established in 2015, offers financial services such as mutual fund investments, insurance, tax filing, and private wealth management. It powers banks and distributors for selling mutual funds and recently launched portfolio management services for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

Strategic Implications

The acquisition would allow Groww to leverage Fisdom’s distribution technology and private wealth management expertise. This move could complement Groww’s new wealth platform, “W by Groww,” and help diversify its revenue streams amid regulatory changes impacting derivative trading.

Conclusion

If finalized, the acquisition would strengthen Groww’s position in the wealth management sector while providing Fisdom with growth capital to expand its operations. Regulatory approvals could take up to six months to complete the deal.