The first portal New2USA helps newcomers to the US to find the required information about the country and its systems such as how to get a social security card or how to get a driver's licence there. The information on visa laws, finding apartments and a host of useful tips are available on this site. The site provides access to around 500 on-line newspapers from around the world.

Skillbay.com is a business to business site on IT-related contracting assignments on the Web. Corporates can access staffing services and conduct real time auctions in an open market setting. It also offers virtual interviewing and a patent pending talent matching engine.

The company officials did not divulge the amount of investment and the equity it was holding in these companies.

Syntel has been making a gradual transition from Y2K services to e-business, Web and related services. The company says that it is increasingly focusing on Web solutions, data warehousing, customer relationship management and enterprise application integration. It is also known for its comprehensive suite, Digital Ecosystem.

A senior official said that Syntel has been looking at investments in start-ups to increase its shareholder value, redeploy its work force and develop reusable processes in business.