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India’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watchIndia’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watch
Market News - June 9, 2025

Lenskart’s Leap to the Public Markets: IPO Plans Signal New Era for Indian Eyewear Giant

Lenskart’s Leap to the Public Markets: IPO Plans Signal New Era for Indian Eyewear Giant

With a ₹8,600 crore IPO on the horizon, Lenskart’s transformation into a public limited company marks a pivotal step in its ambition to redefine India’s consumer tech landscape.

Introduction
Lenskart, India’s leading eyewear retailer, has officially become a public limited company—a crucial move as it prepares for a landmark IPO expected to raise around ₹8,600 crore (approximately $1 billion) at a possible $10 billion valuation. This transition not only showcases Lenskart’s growth story but also signals renewed investor confidence in India’s consumer tech sector as more startups eye public listings in 2025.

Lenskart’s Corporate Transformation: Setting the Stage for an IPO
Lenskart’s journey from a startup founded in 2008 to a dominant omnichannel eyewear brand has reached a new milestone. On May 30, 2025, the company’s board and shareholders approved a special resolution to change its name from Lenskart Solutions Private Limited to Lenskart Solutions Limited, officially making it a public limited company. This legal restructuring is a mandatory prerequisite for any company planning to list on Indian stock exchanges.
The move is more than just a formality; it signals Lenskart’s readiness to access public capital and meet the transparency and governance standards required of listed entities. The company is reportedly in advanced discussions with leading investment banks—including Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Avendus Capital—to steer its IPO process.

IPO Details: Size, Valuation, and Market Timing
While Lenskart has not yet filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), sources indicate the company is targeting a public issue of over $1 billion (₹8,600 crore), potentially at a $10 billion valuation—double its last funding round. This would make Lenskart’s IPO one of the largest in India’s new-age consumer tech sector this year.
In its most recent significant capital raise in June 2024, the company attracted $200 million from prominent investors Temasek and Fidelity, valuing the firm at $5 billion.Since then, Lenskart’s founders have also injected fresh capital, underscoring their confidence in the business’s prospects.
Market observers expect the IPO to be closely watched, both as a litmus test for investor appetite in consumer tech brands and as a bellwether for other Indian startups contemplating public listings after a prolonged lull in IPO activity.

Financial Performance: Growth and Operational Efficiency
Lenskart’s financials reflect a company on the upswing. In FY2024, operating revenue surged 43% to ₹5,428 cr, with EBITDA more than doubling to ₹856 cr. The company significantly reduced its net loss to ₹10 cr, a notable improvement from the ₹64 crore loss in FY2023, driven by technology-enhanced operational efficiencies.
The company’s annual revenue run rate now stands at $1 billion (₹8,400 crore), and it produces 25 million frames and 30–40 million lenses each year. Lenskart’s physical footprint has expanded to over 2,500 stores across India and Southeast Asia, complemented by a robust online presence. This omnichannel approach has been instrumental in driving both scale and profitability.

Strategic Investments and Expansion
Lenskart’s expansion journey is highlighted by strategic investments and growth plans. In December 2024, Lenskart signed an agreement with the Telangana government to build a new manufacturing plant in Fab City, with an investment of ₹1,500 crore. The project is expected to create around 2,100 employment opportunities and substantially increase the company’s manufacturing capacity.

The company’s ability to attract global investors—including SoftBank, Temasek, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Alpha Wave Global, KKR, Kedaara Capital, and TPG—underscores its strong market positioning and growth potential.

Lenskart and the New IPO Wave
Lenskart’s public listing is part of a broader trend, as several Indian startups—such as PhysicsWallah, Infra.Market, Shiprocket, Zetwerk, Bluestone, and Boat—prepare to tap the public markets. This new wave of IPOs is expected to reshape India’s tech and consumer landscape, offering investors exposure to high-growth, tech-first companies with proven business models.
The success of Lenskart’s IPO could set the tone for future listings, especially for profitable or near-profitable startups looking to raise capital for expansion and innovation.

Conclusion
Lenskart’s conversion to a public limited company and its imminent ₹8,600 crore IPO represent a defining moment for both the company and India’s consumer tech sector. Supported by solid financial performance, a diversified omnichannel strategy, and prominent investor backing, Lenskart is poised to seize the advantages of a public market debut. As it enters the league of Indian startups transitioning to public ownership, Lenskart’s progress will attract keen attention from investors, industry rivals, and emerging entrepreneurs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reliance Industries Surges 18% YTD: Brokerages See More Upside Ahead

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Apollo Hospitals Boosts Digital Oncology with Acquisition
business update - June 4, 2025

Gully Labs Raises ₹8.7 Crore for Expansion!

Gully Labs Raises ₹8.7 Crore for Expansion!

The startup is focused on diversifying its products, improving its sales channels, and venturing into physical retail, all as part of an ambitious growth strategy supported by new capital investments.

Summary:
Gully Labs, an emerging consumer technology startup, has secured ₹8.7 crore in seed funding, with the investment led by early-stage investor Zeropearl VC. The funds will be utilized to diversify product offerings, expand digital and physical sales channels, and set up brick-and-mortar retail stores. The company is poised to tap into India’s growing demand for innovative, youth-centric products with a scalable retail strategy.

Gully Labs Secures ₹8.7 Crore in Seed Funding, Supported by Zeropearl VC
Gully Labs, a local consumer startup recognized for developing trend-focused lifestyle and technology products, has secured ₹8.7 crore in seed funding. The round was led by Zeropearl VC, an early-stage investment firm focused on disruptive consumer and tech-first businesses. The funding marks a significant milestone for Gully Labs, empowering the startup to expand its product portfolio, strengthen its digital presence, and venture into offline retail.
As India’s consumer preferences shift toward hyper-personalized, tech-enabled, and aspirational products, Gully Labs has found resonance with the digitally savvy Gen Z and millennial population. With this funding, the company aims to elevate its brand positioning, diversify its offerings, and amplify its distribution across both online and offline platforms.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zeropearl VC and other investors onboard. This funding will act as a catalyst to achieve our vision of becoming a leading consumer lifestyle brand in India,” said [Founder’s Name, if available], Founder & CEO of Gully Labs.

Funding Utilization: A Three-Pronged Strategy
Gully Labs has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to utilize the ₹8.7 crore funding efficiently. The key pillars of this strategy include:
1. Product Diversification
The startup is keen to broaden its product catalogue by entering adjacent categories. Known for its quirky, urban-themed products with a tech twist, Gully Labs will now look to launch new SKUs across fashion, personal gadgets, eco-friendly accessories, and digital lifestyle gear.
The objective is to serve the youth lifestyle segment more holistically, offering products that combine design, utility, and aspirational value.
2. Sales Channel Expansion
While Gully Labs has so far relied heavily on e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales through its own website, the company now plans to forge strategic partnerships with online marketplaces and explore social commerce integrations.
Additionally, the company will invest in performance marketing, influencer outreach, and community building to capture more digital shelf space and improve conversion metrics.
3. Entry into Physical Retail
In a bold move, Gully Labs plans to launch physical retail outlets—a significant shift from its digital-only presence. These offline stores, initially targeted for urban metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, will help boost brand visibility and allow customers to experience products first-hand.
The retail strategy will focus on high footfall areas such as malls and youth-centric hangouts, offering immersive experiences that blend retail with lifestyle content and community engagement.

Zeropearl VC’s Confidence in the Consumer Brand Vision
Zeropearl VC, recognized for supporting nimble and design-oriented consumer brands, has shown great confidence in Gully Labs’ strategic position and prospects.
“Gully Labs has demonstrated a unique ability to tap into the cultural pulse of India’s youth with products that are authentic, affordable, and aspirational. We believe their omnichannel approach, backed by data-driven insights and strong execution capabilities, sets them up for scale,” said a spokesperson from Zeropearl VC.
The VC firm’s investment is expected to bring not just capital but also strategic guidance in brand building, supply chain optimization, and GTM (go-to-market) strategies.

A Rising Wave in India’s D2C and Consumer Brand Ecosystem
Gully Labs’ funding success is indicative of a larger trend in the Indian startup landscape—the rise of D2C consumer brands that speak the language of the new India. As the country witnesses a boom in digitally native brands, investors are actively looking for businesses that can blend cultural relevance with scalable business models.
The D2C sector in India is projected to grow to $100 billion by 2025, driven by increasing internet penetration, growing middle-class aspirations, and a preference for niche, homegrown labels over legacy brands.
Startups like Gully Labs are riding this wave, focusing on innovation, brand storytelling, and customer intimacy—factors that traditional FMCG giants often struggle with in the youth segment.

What’s Next for Gully Labs?
In the short term, the company is expected to:
Launch 15-20 new SKUs across core and new product categories
Open its first flagship retail store by early next year
Double its digital marketing budget to enhance brand awareness
Scale its logistics and warehousing network to support rapid fulfilment
In the long term, Gully Labs is aiming for a pan-India omnichannel presence, eyeing profitability by FY27 and a potential Series A round in 12-18 months to fuel further expansion.
The startup also plans to invest in customer analytics and product feedback loops, using AI-driven data to create personalized shopping experiences and streamline product development.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in India’s Homegrown Brand Playbook
With ₹8.7 crore in fresh seed funding and the backing of an active investor like Zeropearl VC, Gully Labs is poised to transition from a niche D2C startup into a formidable lifestyle brand with national reach. By combining creativity, consumer insight, and a robust retail strategy, the company is ready to carve out a distinctive space in India’s crowded yet opportunity-rich consumer goods market.

 

 

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Sansera Engineering Expands Global Reach and Secures ₹160 Cr Airbus Deal

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Bajaj Finance Stock Split and Bonus Shares: Turning 10 Shares into 100
Market News - June 3, 2025

Meesho to Distribute ₹411 Crore in Bonus Shares Ahead of IPO

Meesho to Distribute ₹411 Crore in Bonus Shares Ahead of IPO

E-commerce firm rewards investors as it prepares for public listing

Social commerce company Meesho, headquartered in Bengaluru, is planning to issue bonus shares valued at ₹411 crore to its current shareholders. This step comes as part of the company’s preparations to launch its initial public offering (IPO), scheduled for 2026.

This bonus share issuance is designed to boost shareholder value and organize the equity distribution before Meesho enters the public market. Additionally, the company is in the process of restructuring its corporate setup. It has filed an application for a reverse merger, intending to merge its Indian subsidiary, Fashnear Technologies, into the parent company based in the U.S., Meesho Inc. The merger aims to streamline governance and simplify regulatory compliance ahead of the IPO.

Meesho has brought on board leading investment banks—Morgan Stanley, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and Citi—to manage its IPO process. The company targets raising about \$1 billion from the offering, with a valuation estimated at \$10 billion. Industry experts expect the public listing to take place around the Diwali festival in late 2025, potentially positioning Meesho ahead of its competitors in the public markets.

Issuing bonus shares signifies Meesho’s effort to reward its early investors and lay a strong foundation for its market debut. As Meesho continues to grow its presence in India’s expanding e-commerce sector, this IPO marks a crucial milestone in the company’s journey toward becoming a publicly traded enterprise.

 

 

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Gold Surpasses $3366 Mark, Eyes $3435 Resistance Next

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Shiprocket Eyes ₹2,400 Cr as IPO Plans Take Flight
Market News - May 23, 2025

Shiprocket Eyes ₹2,400 Cr as IPO Plans Take Flight

Shiprocket Eyes ₹2,400 Cr as IPO Plans Take Flight

 

Shiprocket, a leading logistics technology company in India, has confidentially submitted its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), signaling its plans to raise up to ₹2,400 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This move marks a critical milestone in the company’s ambition to expand its footprint in India’s rapidly growing e-commerce logistics market.

What is Confidential DRHP Filing?

Confidential filing allows companies to submit IPO-related documents to SEBI without immediately revealing financial and operational details to the public. This route offers companies like Shiprocket the flexibility to get early feedback from regulators and refine their IPO disclosures before the formal launch. It also helps protect sensitive business information during this crucial preparatory phase.
This approach has been adopted recently by several Indian startups preparing to list publicly, enabling them to maintain discretion while streamlining the IPO process.

Financial and IPO Details

Shiprocket’s planned IPO will include a fresh issue of shares alongside an offer for sale by current investors. The fresh equity component is expected to be around ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore, with the balance amount raised through sale of existing shares. Funds raised through the fresh issue will be utilized to boost technology upgrades, expand warehousing and logistics infrastructure, and explore strategic acquisitions.
The combination of fresh capital inflow and existing shareholders selling some of their stakes is a common IPO structure among tech companies, balancing growth capital needs and liquidity for early investors.

Company Overview and Market Presence

Established in 2012 by founders Saahil Goel and Gautam Kapoor, Shiprocket has evolved into a comprehensive logistics platform that supports more than 250,000 e-commerce sellers across India. The platform offers end-to-end shipping solutions, covering deliveries to over 24,000 pin codes in India, as well as international shipments to over 220 countries.
Despite incurring a net loss of ₹595 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24, the company witnessed a 21% increase in its operating revenue, which reached ₹1,316 crore, reflecting growing adoption of its services.
Shiprocket’s strength lies in its ability to simplify logistics operations for sellers of all sizes, providing integrations with multiple courier partners, automated shipping management, and real-time tracking—essential tools for scaling e-commerce businesses.

Strategic Growth Plans Supported by IPO

The proceeds from the IPO will support Shiprocket’s plans to enhance its technology infrastructure, including automation and data analytics capabilities. The company also intends to expand its warehousing capacity across key locations to improve delivery speed and reliability.
Another focus area is cross-border logistics, where Shiprocket aims to facilitate seamless international shipments, tapping into the global e-commerce boom. In addition, investments will be made in emerging sectors like quick commerce and digital payments, aligning with evolving consumer trends.
The logistics industry in India is poised for rapid growth, fueled by the surge in online retail, rising smartphone penetration, and consumer demand for faster deliveries. Shiprocket’s integrated platform positions it well to capitalize on these opportunities.

Backing from Top Investors

Shiprocket has attracted investments from prominent global and domestic investors such as Zomato, Temasek, Info Edge Ventures, PayPal, Bertelsmann India Investments, Lightrock, and March Capital. These investors bring not only capital but also industry expertise, which has helped Shiprocket scale its operations and build robust logistics technology.
Their continued support, including participation in the Offer for Sale portion of the IPO, will be key to the company’s ability to sustain growth and achieve profitability.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its promising outlook, Shiprocket faces several challenges typical of logistics startups. Intense competition from established courier companies and other logistics tech platforms means continuous innovation and operational efficiency are crucial. Additionally, managing costs and optimizing last-mile delivery remain vital to improving margins.
Regulatory factors and economic conditions will also influence the IPO’s success and the company’s future performance.

conclusion

Shiprocket’s confidential DRHP filing signals the company’s readiness to transition from a private startup to a publicly traded firm. The ₹2,400 crore IPO will provide the resources needed to accelerate growth, invest in cutting-edge technology, and expand infrastructure in India’s booming logistics sector.
By opting for a confidential filing, Shiprocket aims to navigate regulatory requirements efficiently while maintaining strategic confidentiality. As it prepares for its public market debut, all eyes will be on how effectively Shiprocket can execute its growth plans and create shareholder value.
This IPO represents a significant opportunity for investors to participate in the growth story of one of India’s fastest-growing logistics technology platforms.

 

 

 

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Aegis Vopak’s ₹3,500 Cr IPO: Powering India’s Energy Future

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Zepto Eyes ₹1,500 Crore Debt at $5B Valuation
business update, Market News - April 30, 2025

Zepto Eyes ₹1,500 Crore Debt at $5B Valuation

Zepto Eyes ₹1,500 Crore Debt at $5B Valuation

 

The quick-commerce unicorn eyes a high-interest debt deal led by Edelweiss with an equity-linked upside, signalling confidence in its aggressive growth strategy.

Summary:
Zepto, India’s fastest-growing quick-commerce player, is reportedly in advanced talks to raise ₹1,500 crore in structured debt at a soaring valuation of nearly $5 billion. The proposed deal, led by Edelweiss, includes a minimum interest rate of 16% and an equity-linked upside, potentially enhancing returns to 18%. This reflects rising investor confidence and Zepto’s ambitious expansion drive.

zepto’s Strategic Debt Move Amid Rapid Expansion

Zepto, the rapid grocery delivery service founded by young entrepreneurs Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, is once again in the news for its promise of 10-minute delivery. This time, the company is not chasing another equity round but is reportedly in the final stages of securing structured debt financing worth ₹1,500 crore. The move is critical as the startup continues its aggressive expansion across metro cities while eyeing profitability.
Edelweiss is taking the lead in the funding negotiations and has presented a binding offer. The debt, structured with fixed returns and equity-linked components, is designed to offer returns of 16% minimum, climbing up to 18% when equity upside is factored in. This approach gives Zepto the dual advantage of accessing capital without immediate dilution of ownership while still allowing lenders a stake in potential future growth.

A High-Interest, High-Stakes Deal

At the heart of this transaction is the structure of the debt agreement. The arrangement may seem steep, with the reported interest rate at 16%, significantly higher than conventional debt rates in the startup ecosystem. Zepto’s choice is based on a strategic desire to prevent equity dilution in the existing high-valuation landscape.
Sources suggest the total return for lenders may cross 18% due to the inclusion of an equity-linked upside—likely in the form of warrants or convertible instruments. This gives lenders a share in the company’s potential value appreciation, making the deal more lucrative without burdening Zepto with large cash outflows upfront.
The deal also signals the growing maturity of India’s startup debt market, where high-growth ventures increasingly seek alternative funding instruments beyond equity.

Valuation Nears $5 Billion: A Vote of Confidence.

The structured debt raise is taking place at an impressive valuation of nearly $5 billion, significantly up from Zepto’s last valuation of $3.6 billion during its previous funding round in 2023. This notable increase in valuation highlights the optimistic outlook regarding Zepto’s business model and its ability to execute effectively.
The jump in valuation is primarily attributed to Zepto’s successful expansion into multiple cities, improved unit economics, and the establishment of efficient dark store networks that have reduced delivery times and costs. Moreover, the company’s ability to maintain order density and repeat purchase behaviour has reassured investors about its path to profitability.

Why Debt Instead of Equity?

Raising structured debt instead of traditional equity funding is a calculated move. For one, it allows Zepto to access funds while retaining its existing cap table. Secondly, it signals that the company is confident about its revenue and cash flow trajectory in the short to medium term, sufficient to service interest payments on such debt.
By taking on structured debt at this stage, Zepto may soon open the door for a larger equity round at a higher valuation—possibly from global sovereign funds or late-stage investors seeking stakes in profitable Indian startups ahead of IPOs.

Market Context and Competitive Landscape

Zepto’s move comes when the quick-commerce sector is witnessing heightened competition and funding challenges. Competitors such as Blinkit (owned by Zomato), Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket’s BB Now are all vying for market share in the instant delivery sector, frequently working with very narrow profit margins.
However, Zepto has carved out a niche by maintaining consistent delivery timelines and a tech-driven backend that efficiently manages inventory and delivery logistics. Its robust operations have allowed it to outpace rivals in key metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. It has positioned it as a leader in India’s nascent but growing quick-commerce market.

What’s Next for Zepto?

With the structured debt raise likely to be closed soon, the proceeds are expected to be deployed toward:
Enhancing its dark store network.
Improving supply chain and cold storage facilities.
Enhancing technological skills to improve last-mile delivery efficiency.
If done successfully, the debt raise could provide Zepto with a substantial financial reserve without giving up equity at its current valuation. This would help the company move closer to profitability while gearing up for a possible IPO in the next few years.

Conclusion: A Bold Bet on Future Growth

Zepto’s decision to opt for high-interest structured debt reflects confidence and urgency. As it accelerates its growth in a fiercely competitive market, the deal structure allows it to balance immediate capital needs with long-term strategic goals. With strong investor optimism and efficient scaling of operations, Zepto could be positioning itself to become India’s first quick-commerce IPO success story.

 

 

 

 

 

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Servotech’s Stock Climbs: New Subsidiary Sparks Investor Excitement

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