New Delhi: Quick-commerce platform Zepto has converted into a public limited company, marking a key step toward its planned stock market debut in 2026. Regulatory filings confirm the change, indicating that the Mumbai-based startup is moving ahead with its listing roadmap after months of internal restructuring.
According to people familiar with the plans, the company aims to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) before the end of the current financial year. Zepto is expected to raise around $500 million (approximately Rs 4,500 crore) through its public issue. This follows its earlier decision to onboard investment banks such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JM Financial to manage the listing process.
The company has been preparing for a public listing for several months. After hiring bankers in 2024, Zepto shifted its base from Singapore back to India, aligning its corporate structure with domestic listing requirements. Although the startup initially targeted a 2025 listing, it extended the timeline and raised $450 million at a $7 billion valuation in the interim, signalling its focus on strengthening financial buffers ahead of market scrutiny.
Zepto operates in an increasingly crowded quick-commerce sector dominated by players such as Swiggy’s Instamart and Eternal’s Blinkit. CEO Aadit Palicha recently said the platform’s order volumes are 40% higher than its closest competitor, underscoring the competitive metrics companies now highlight as investors demand clarity on growth and profitability. The sector has also seen significant fundraising activity, with Swiggy raising Rs 10,000 crore through a QIP a year after its 2024 IPO, and Eternal securing over Rs 8,000 crore via a similar route. These moves reflect the high capital requirements of the segment as firms bolster liquidity to navigate operational costs and improve delivery networks.
Zepto’s conversion into a public company suggests it is positioning itself for similar market pressures, as quick-commerce players balance rapid expansion with the push for sustainable economics in a strained funding environment.
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