We report medium resolution, spectroscopic observations of a selected sample of AGNs and Starburst galaxies, at wavelengths ranging from 1.1 to 2.4 mum. Strong H I, He I, H-2 and [Fe II] emission lines have been detected, as well as-stellar features, such as the CO bandheads in both H- and K-band, and Si I, Na I, and Ca I lines. The excitation mechanisms for the H-2 emission are discussed.