Microsoft-Backed HR Tech Unicorn Darwinbox Gets $140 Million From KKR,Partners Group

Darwinbox—a human resource management technology unicorn—raised $150 million in fresh capital from U.S. private equity firm KKR and Switzerland’s Partners Group.

“This investment is a testament to Darwinbox’s strong fundamentals,” Jayant Paleti, cofounder of Darwinbox, said in the statement. “With top-tier investors backing us, we’re poised to amplify our global momentum and deliver innovative AI-powered solutions.”

The funding will help accelerate the global expansion of Darwinbox, a mobile-first and AI-enabled human capital management platform serving over 1,000 enterprises worldwide including Adidas and Starbucks, the company said in a statement.

“We are pleased to support Darwinbox on its next stage of growth and will look to draw from our global network and expertise to accelerate its international expansion ambitions,” said Akshay Tanna, partner and head of India Private Equity at KKR, which marks its latest investment in the Asian subcontinent.

Besides KKR and Partners Group, Darwinbox also counts Microsoft and Peak XV among its investors. The startup, which achieved unicorn status in 2022, has expanded into multiple markets in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, including the U.K. and U.S., where it has seen significant traction.

Since its founding a decade ago in Hyeberadad, India, Darwinbox has established its international headquarters in Singapore and built a diversified global portfolio in the last two years that delivered a fivefold growth in international markets revenue.

“Darwinbox operates in the rapidly growing HR tech market, which we have been tracking through our thematic research,” said Cyrus Driver, a managing director at Partners Group, which has over $150 billion in assets under management.