Ola Electric's IPO Journey
From Startup to Market Debut. Bhavish Aggarwal's Path to Becoming a Billionaire, the IPO Highlights, and Market Reactions.
On August 9, 2024, Ola Electric made headlines as it was officially listed on the Indian stock exchanges, marking a major milestone for the company and its founder, Bhavish Aggarwal.
This edition of Rise & Shine delves into Ola Electric’s journey from its startup days to its recent IPO, the initial market performance, and Aggarwal’s reflections on this significant achievement.
Ola Electric: From Startup to IPO
Founded in 2017, Ola Electric began with a vision to transform India's electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
With an initial focus on electric scooters, the company quickly gained traction and expanded its portfolio, significantly impacting the EV market.
IPO Details:
IPO Dates: August 2 - August 6, 2024
Price Range: ₹72 - ₹76 per share
Total Capital Raised: ₹6,145.56 crore
Fresh Share Sales: ₹5,500 crore
Offer-for-Sale (OFS): 8,49,41,997 shares
Market Debut:
Ola Electric's shares debuted on August 9, 2024, with an initial listing price of ₹76 on the NSE and ₹75.99 on the BSE, matching the issue price.
Despite a flat start, the shares experienced a notable 20% jump, providing decent gains for early investors.
Founder’s Reflection:
Bhavish Aggarwal, now one of India’s youngest billionaires, reflected on the IPO in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He acknowledged the significance of the moment, saying, "The importance of today, this moment is finally sinking in. It felt like a process till yesterday - where we did our work and put in our time and made India one of the largest EV 2W markets. Our hard work has paid off and the world recognises that."
Aggarwal, whose stake in the company is now valued at approximately ₹12,104 crore ($1.44 billion), emphasized the responsibility that comes with this success.
He stated, "Today it feels like an important duty, a responsibility to double down on our aspirations and to build the country of our dreams. To be dedicated and faithful custodians of public money and faith."
Challenges and Market Sentiment:
Despite the positive gains post-listing, Ola Electric faced challenges. The IPO saw a subscription of 4.45 times, which was below expectations. The flat initial performance and market sentiment reflected concerns about the company’s financial performance and the competitive EV landscape.
Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart Ltd, noted that while Ola Electric’s vision is ambitious, it is current financial losses and competitive environment have tempered investor enthusiasm.
Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research) at Mehta Equities Ltd, suggested that despite lower-than-expected demand, Ola Electric’s shares performed well, influenced by overall market mood.
Looking Ahead:
Ola Electric's IPO marks a new chapter in its growth journey. As the company navigates the challenges of being a publicly listed entity, it remains focused on its vision of transforming the EV market and driving sustainable mobility solutions.
Ola Electric's successful IPO and Bhavish Aggarwal's rise to becoming a young billionaire are testaments to the company's impactful journey and future potential.
As the market reacts and the company adapts to its new role, Ola Electric continues to represent a beacon of innovation in the electric vehicle industry.
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