Why Startups Are Postponing IPO Plans

Wrong timing, negative sentiments towards startups, recession, global stock market meltdown and geopolitical turmoil are some of the key reasons

- S Shanthi

After an IPO (initial public offering) sprint last year, we are seeing an IPO drought lately. Many toptier startups have decided to push their listing plans. The list of such startups include MobiKwik, boAt, Oyo Hotels and Homes, Snapdeal, Droom, Pine Labs, PharmEasy and others. Among these, PharmEasy and MobiKwik have reportedly not set dates for their IPO despite receiving clearance from SEBI.

Valuations of many companies that have gone public in the recent past have taken a beating, which has led to negative sentiments among investors. And, this is one of the key reasons behind many startups postponing their IPO plans. “They would rather invest in traditional companies, which are profit-making. But it is only one of the reasons. The timing is also not right considering recession and global stock market meltdown that is looming around us, apart from rising Inflation, geo-political turmoils, and US markets taking a beating, and foreign investors taking out money from the country,” said Mohamad Faraz, founding partner, Upsparks.