Darwinbox Courted by Microsoft, Salesforce Ahead of Planned IPO

Mumbai-based Darwinbox, a human resource and payroll services provider backed by KKR, is in talks for potential buyouts from existing investors Microsoft and Salesforce, as well as US-based ADP. The company's founders and board have received interest from these parties ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO) over the next couple of years.

Darwinbox was valued at around $1 billion when it raised $140 million from KKR and Partners Group in March last year, bringing its total funding to $290 million. The company has been growing rapidly, with a 50% jump in operating revenue to Rs.533.9 crore for the financial year 2025 (FY25) from Rs.334 crore in FY24.

Existing investors Salesforce and Microsoft have expressed their desire to acquire Darwinbox, while US-based HR and payroll services provider ADP wants to deepen its expertise in the domain. The company's board is yet to take a call on the offers it is receiving, with the spokesperson denying any talks for a stake sale.