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Darwinbox, a leading global human resource (HR) technology platform, has announced the signing of definitive agreements for a $140 million investment co-led by Partners Group and funds managed by KKR. The investment, which also includes participation from Gravity Holdings, aims to enhance Darwinbox’s technology leadership and accelerate its international expansion.

Founded in 2015, Darwinbox offers a mobile-first, AI-enabled human capital management (HCM) platform that serves over 1,000 enterprises worldwide. The company has rapidly expanded across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, its entry into the North American market two years ago has driven significant growth, with international markets now accounting for over 60% of new revenue.

Darwinbox's growth trajectory has been recognized with its inclusion as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for enterprises with more than 1,000 employees in 2024. This milestone makes Darwinbox the youngest and only Asian company to receive such recognition.

“This investment underscores Darwinbox’s strong fundamentals and the trust we have built with over 1,000 global customers,” said Jayant Paleti, Co-founder of Darwinbox. “By prioritizing employee experience and ensuring our platform is adaptable to diverse local needs, we are transforming HR for enterprises worldwide. With the backing of top-tier investors, we are poised to scale further and deliver AI-powered solutions to thousands of businesses.”

Cyrus Driver, Managing Director, Private Equity at Partners Group, commented, “Darwinbox is a key disruptor in the rapidly growing HR tech market. The company’s focus on product innovation, generative AI, and global expansion positions it well to capture market share. We are excited to work with Darwinbox’s talented management team to drive future growth.”

Akshay Tanna, Partner and Head of India Private Equity at KKR, added, “Darwinbox has quickly established itself as a leader in the human capital management space through its innovation and customer-centric approach. We look forward to leveraging our global network and expertise to support its next stage of growth and international expansion.”

Darwinbox's HR platform serves over 3 million employees worldwide, including those at major brands like Starbucks, Nivea, AXA, Cigna, WeWork, Crisil (an S&P company), and T-Systems. Recent product rollouts, such as a multi-country payroll solution and enhanced GenAI features, highlight its commitment to next-generation HR technology.

Partners Group’s investment comes through its growth equity strategy, which focuses on identifying high-potential companies globally. The firm has invested approximately $2.5 billion in growth-stage companies, including Lumin Digital, a digital banking provider, and Neara, an AI-powered infrastructure modeling platform.

KKR’s investment is made through its Asia Next Generation Technology strategy, which supports disruptive companies in consumer technology, software, and fintech. The firm’s recent investments in India and the region include Rebel Foods, Lenskart, Livspace, KiotViet, and Privy.

With strong investor backing, Darwinbox is well-positioned to enhance its technological offerings and expand its global footprint, reinforcing its role as a key player in the evolving HR technology landscape.

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