The Tech IPO Boom: Examining the Surge of Technology Companies Going Public in India

Listen to our Podcast: Grow your wealth and keep it secure.

0:00 / 0:00

Introduction

The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the Indian startup ecosystem, as it witnessed a record number of tech companies going public or preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). According to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants, India is likely to have up to 40 listed or IPO-ready new-age tech companies by FY25, and this number can grow to 90 by FY28. This trend highlights the growing acceptance of new-age sectors by Indian markets and the willingness of investors to embrace innovation.

But what is driving this tech IPO boom in India? What are the benefits and challenges of going public for tech companies? And what are the implications of this phenomenon for the Indian economy and society? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and provide some insights into the Indian tech IPO landscape.

What is Driving the Tech IPO Boom in India?

There are several factors that are contributing to the surge of tech IPOs in India, such as:

Market recovery and growth potential:

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of various sectors and industries, creating new opportunities and demand for tech-based solutions. As a result, many tech startups have seen a surge in their revenues, user base, and profitability, making them attractive candidates for going public. Moreover, India has a large and growing market for internet services, with over 700 million internet users and 450 million smartphone users. This offers a huge potential for tech companies to scale up and expand their reach.

Favourable regulatory environment and policy support:

The Indian government has been supportive of the startup ecosystem, with initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in the country, and provide various incentives and benefits for startups, such as tax exemptions, funding, and ease of doing business. Moreover, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently made some changes in the IPO norms to make it more appealing and accessible for tech companies to list their shares in the domestic indices. For instance, SEBI has reduced the lock-in period for promoters and pre-IPO investors from three years to one year, allowed differential voting rights for founders, and relaxed the profitability criteria for tech companies.

Increased investor interest and confidence:

The tech IPO boom in India has also been fueled by the increased interest and confidence of both domestic and foreign investors in the Indian tech sector. The success of some of the recent tech IPOs, such as Zomato, Nykaa, and Freshworks, has demonstrated the strong market appetite and valuation for tech companies in India. Moreover, the rise of retail investors, especially the younger generation, has also contributed to the demand for tech stocks, as they are more familiar and comfortable with the digital economy and its offerings. Additionally, the availability of alternative funding sources, such as venture capital, private equity, and special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), has also enabled tech companies to raise capital and prepare for their IPOs.

What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Going Public for Tech Companies?

Going public is a major milestone for any company, as it signifies its growth, maturity, and recognition in the market. However, it also comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, especially for tech companies, such as:

Benefits

  • Access to capital and liquidity: Going public enables tech companies to raise large amounts of capital from a wide range of investors, which can be used for further expansion, innovation, and acquisition. Moreover, going public also provides liquidity for the existing shareholders, such as founders, employees, and early investors, who can sell their shares and realise their returns.
  • Brand visibility and credibility: Going public also enhances the brand visibility and credibility of tech companies, as it exposes them to a larger and more diverse audience, such as customers, partners, media, and regulators. This can help them attract more talent, customers, and partnerships, and also improve their corporate governance and transparency.
  • Competitive edge and valuation: Going public also gives tech companies a competitive edge and valuation in the market, as it reflects their performance, potential, and innovation. Moreover, going public also allows tech companies to use their shares as a currency for mergers and acquisitions, and also incentivize their employees with stock options and rewards.

Challenges

  • Regulatory compliance and scrutiny: Going public also entails a lot of regulatory compliance and scrutiny for tech companies, as they have to adhere to the rules and regulations of the stock exchanges, SEBI, and other authorities. This can increase the cost, complexity, and risk of doing business, and also expose them to legal and reputational issues. Moreover, tech companies also have to deal with the expectations and pressure of the public shareholders, analysts, and media, who can influence their stock price and valuation.
  • Loss of control and flexibility: Going public also implies a loss of control and flexibility for tech companies, as they have to share their decision-making and ownership with the public shareholders, who may have different interests and agendas. Moreover, going public also limits the ability of tech companies to make quick and radical changes in their strategy, product, and culture, as they have to consider the impact on their stock price and shareholder value.
  • Volatility and uncertainty: Going public also exposes tech companies to the volatility and uncertainty of the stock market, which can be influenced by various factors, such as macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, competitor actions, and investor sentiments. This can create fluctuations and fluctuations in their stock price and valuation, and also affect their long-term growth and sustainability.

What are The Implications of the Tech IPO Boom for the Indian Economy and Society?

The tech IPO boom in India is not only a sign of the vibrant and growing startup ecosystem, but also a catalyst for the economic and social development of the country. Some of the implications of the tech IPO boom for the Indian economy and society are:

  • Economic growth and innovation: The tech IPO boom can boost the economic growth and innovation of the country, as it can create more jobs, wealth, and opportunities for the people. Moreover, the tech IPO boom can also foster a culture of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and problem-solving, and also encourage more research and development in the tech sector.
  • Financial inclusion and empowerment: The tech IPO boom can also promote financial inclusion and empowerment of the people, especially the underserved and underprivileged segments of the society. This is because many of the tech companies that are going public or preparing for an IPO are providing affordable and accessible solutions for various sectors and domains, such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance. Moreover, the tech IPO boom can also enable more people to participate and benefit from the capital markets, as they can invest in the tech stocks and also learn from their performance and potential.
  • Social impact and responsibility: The tech IPO boom can also create a positive social impact and responsibility for the country, as it can address some of the pressing challenges and needs of the society, such as poverty, inequality, and sustainability. Moreover, the tech IPO boom can also inspire and motivate more people to pursue their dreams and passions, and also contribute to the social good and welfare of the country.

Conclusion

The tech IPO boom in India is a remarkable phenomenon that reflects the dynamism and potential of the Indian tech sector and the startup ecosystem. However, it also poses some challenges and risks for the tech companies, the investors, and the regulators, who have to balance the opportunities and expectations with the realities and responsibilities. Moreover, the tech IPO boom in India is not an end in itself, but a means to an end, which is to create value and impact for the economy and society. Therefore, the tech companies, the investors, and the regulators have to work together to ensure that the tech IPO boom in India is not just a flash in the pan, but a lasting and sustainable trend that can benefit the country and its people.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

Share this article: 

Read More Blogs

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

6.5 Lac+ Users

icon-with-text

4.1 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹ 3500 Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text