ETSA 2026: Indian founders eyeing early IPOs instead of private capital: Meesho CEO Vidit Aatrey
Speaking at a panel alongside Groww CEO Lalit Keshre and ETtech editor Samidha Sharma, Aatrey contrasted India’s market with that of the United States.
At the ET Startup Awards 2026 in Bengaluru, Meesho CEO Vidit Aatrey discussed early-stage founders in India considering early public offerings instead of raising private capital. Speaking alongside Groww CEO Lalit Keshre and ETtech editor Samidha Sharma, Aatrey pointed out the difference between India and the US markets. In the US, small IPOs are uncommon, whereas India sees both small and large listings, which influences how founders approach funding.
Aatrey suggested that Indian founders are now thinking about bypassing private capital and going public. Drawing from Meesho's own experience of going public in December, Aatrey emphasized transparency as the key principle for a public offering. Meesho listed its shares while still expanding its supply chain, and communicated openly with investors.
Aatrey also noted that pricing the stock required considering all available information. He cautioned that an IPO is not a quick process, typically taking six to nine months, during which investors continue to trade the stock. Keshre agreed, warning against setting false expectations for companies aiming for a public listing.
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