2021 could finally be the year of India’s tech IPOs as startups like Zomato, Delhivery, Policybazaar head for the public markets

• India’s startups are planning to open the floodgates of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) in 2021.
• Multiple Indian startups like Zomato, Delhivery, Policybazaar, Freshworks, Flipkart, Nykaa are reportedly eyeing the public markets in 2021.
• India’s market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) too is looking to ease norms to facilitate startup IPOs in the country.

The blockbuster IPO debuts like that of Mrs Bector, Burger King, Happiest Minds in the Indian stock markets this year has only led to the country’s emerging tech startups gear up the confidence to knock the doors on the public markets.

2020 is also headed to an end with two hot tech IPOs in the US stock market – Airbnb and DoorDash and the success of those IPOs will surely have an impact on Indian investors and their belief on technology startups.

"The Indian IPO market has realised the potential of startups which are disrupting traditional businesses or ways of doing business and garnering large market share in different segments. Recent IPOs by Route Mobile, Happiest Minds, CAMs or Burger King have all been oversubscribed many times and debuted with high multiples,” said Anup Jain, Managing Partner, Orios Venture Partners.

Multiple Indian startups like Zomato, Delhivery, Policybazaar, Freshworks, Flipkart, Nykaa are reportedly eyeing the public markets in 2021, many others like BYJU’S, Pepperfry haven’t yet set a timeline but too are getting ready for a big, fat IPO debut.

The Indian government too seems to be welcoming of tech IPOs. India’s market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set up an Innovators Growth Platform (IGP) and has recently announced a consultation paper seeking comments for new rules that will encourage startups to head for IPO.

Here’s a look at the startups reportedly heading for an IPO in 2021

“There are certain tailwinds which are pushing startups towards IPO for fundraising and to provide investors with a healthy exit. The new norms announced by SEBI such as easier migration to the main board, decreased holding period, and special rights have made IPO more lucrative,” said Ankur Bansal co-founder and director, BlackSoil.


Startups preparing for an IPO

Current Valuation

Zomato

$3.9 billion

Policybazaar

$1.5 billion

Nykaa

<$1 billion

Flipkart

$24.9 billion

Delhivery

$1.5 billion