Mangaluru, Karnataka: In a landmark development for Karnataka’s coastal tech sector, the third IT company from Mangaluru has been acquired, injecting fresh enthusiasm into the region popularly known as the “Silicon Beach of India.” The acquisition, valued at over ₹1,000 crore, is the largest IT merger and acquisition (M&A) deal in Mangaluru’s history.
Historic acquisition marks new milestone
The city has witnessed three major acquisitions in the past four years, beginning with Robosoft Technologies in 2021, followed by Niveus Solutions in 2024 and now Novigo Solutions.
Robosoft, an Udupi-based digital transformation company, was acquired by Japan’s TechnoPro Holdings for approximately ₹805 crore. Subsequently, NTT DATA acquired Niveus Solutions, further strengthening Japanese investments in the region. The latest acquisition involves Novigo Solutions, which began in 2013 with just 10 employees and has since grown to a workforce of 900. The company was acquired by a Blackstone Portfolio Company backed by R Systems.
Boost for Mangaluru’s IT ecosystem
Industry leaders believe these acquisitions are a testament to the growing potential of the coastal IT hub. Smitha Rao, founder of OjasQuest, a recently launched IT firm in the city, said, “This acquisition has given us assurance that the region can do better in the coming days—not just building companies for acquisition purposes but building brands that are recognised beyond Bengaluru and across the globe.”
Talent recognition and entrepreneurial growth
Rohith Bhat, founding member of the Silicon Beach Programme and founder of Wrkwrk, 99Games and Robosoft, highlighted that these acquisitions prove the quality of talent in the region.
“Post-acquisition, we have invested heavily in mentoring budding entrepreneurs and startups through initiatives like the Silicon Beach of India programme and TiE Mangaluru chapter. This is not just about financial investment but also about sharing knowledge and experience,” Bhat said.
Industry outlook and future prospects
Mohammed Hanif, Chief Technology Officer of Novigo Solutions, said the latest acquisition has strengthened confidence in the region’s IT capabilities. “Our next aim is to accelerate IT growth momentum in the undivided coastal districts and help industry stakeholders expand further,” he added.
Stakeholders suggest that a few other homegrown IT companies are already in talks for future acquisitions, signalling sustained growth in the local technology ecosystem.
Mangaluru – emerging tech destination
Known for its skilled workforce and relatively low operational costs compared to Bengaluru, Mangaluru is increasingly attracting investors and entrepreneurs. The series of high-value acquisitions is expected to inspire more startups and bring further investments into the region, strengthening its identity as India’s emerging coastal IT hub.
Conclusion
With growing recognition from global investors, Mangaluru’s IT sector is poised for accelerated growth. Industry leaders believe that the region will soon be counted among India’s leading technology destinations, driven by innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit.