**SoftBank Backs Meesho’s $606M IPO, Marking India’s First Big E-Commerce Listing**
Bengaluru, November 28, 2025 — Meesho, the Bengaluru-based s...
Bengaluru, November 28, 2025 — Meesho, the Bengaluru-based social commerce platform, has officially launched its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO), raising ₹4,250 crore (approximately $606 million) in what is being hailed as the first major e-commerce listing in India in recent years. The move marks a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem, with global investment giant SoftBank playing a pivotal role in backing the company’s public market debut.
Meesho’s IPO, which opened for subscription on December 3 an...
Meesho’s IPO, which opened for subscription on December 3 and will close on December 5, consists of a fresh issue of equity worth ₹4,250 crore, alongside an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 10.55 crore shares by existing investors. The company’s early backers—including Elevation, Peak XV, Venture Highway, and Y Combinator—are among those offloading part of their holdings as part of the OFS. Promoters Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal are also participating in the sale.
### A Strategic Homecoming and IPO Push
The IPO comes on the heels of Meesho’s strategic “reverse fl...
The IPO comes on the heels of Meesho’s strategic “reverse flip,” shifting its domicile from the US to India. The company completed its merger with Fashnear Technologies Private Limited, renaming it Meesho Private Limited, and officially became a fully Indian entity in May 2025. This move aligns with a broader trend among Indian startups, including Flipkart, which are also preparing to shift their domicile ahead of planned public listings.
Meesho’s transition to India was accompanied by a robust fun...
Meesho’s transition to India was accompanied by a robust funding round earlier this year, which saw the company raise $550 million from investors such as Tiger Global, Mars Growth Capital, and Think Investments. SoftBank, which had previously invested $200 million in Meesho, is now doubling down on its commitment as the company enters the public markets.
### SoftBank’s Evolving India Strategy
SoftBank’s support for Meesho’s IPO underscores a notable sh...
SoftBank’s support for Meesho’s IPO underscores a notable shift in its India investment strategy. While the Japanese conglomerate has historically focused on late-stage, billion-dollar bets in Indian startups like Paytm, Ola, and Flipkart, it is now increasingly backing growth-stage companies and supporting their public market journeys. This approach reflects a broader trend among global investors, who are looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into the rapid growth of India’s digital economy.
“Meesho’s IPO is a validation of the social commerce sector,...
“Meesho’s IPO is a validation of the social commerce sector, which has seen both highs and lows in recent years,” said a market analyst. “SoftBank’s backing signals confidence in the company’s business model and its ability to scale in the Indian market.”
### Strong Financials and Market Traction
Meesho’s financial performance has shown significant improve...
Meesho’s financial performance has shown significant improvement in recent years. The company narrowed its losses (excluding ESOP costs) to ₹53 crore in FY24, down from ₹1,569 crore in the previous fiscal year. Revenue from operations grew 33% to ₹7,615 crore in FY24, driven by an increase in unique annual transacting users and higher order frequency from existing customers.
Platform metrics reveal strong traction, with Meesho connect...
Platform metrics reveal strong traction, with Meesho connecting over 500,000 transacting sellers with 199 million annual transacting users in FY25. The company facilitated 1.8 billion placed orders, with its Net Merchandise Value (NMV) rising 29% year-on-year to ₹29,988 crore.
### Use of Proceeds and Future Plans
Meesho plans to deploy the IPO proceeds toward several key i...
Meesho plans to deploy the IPO proceeds toward several key initiatives, including investments in cloud infrastructure, marketing and brand-building, and inorganic growth through acquisitions. The company also intends to use the funds to support its machine learning and AI teams, further enhancing its technology stack and operational efficiency.
“The IPO will enable us to accelerate our growth and strengt...
“The IPO will enable us to accelerate our growth and strengthen our position as a leading e-commerce platform in India,” said a Meesho spokesperson. “We are committed to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs through our social commerce model.”
### Market Impact and Investor Sentiment
Meesho’s IPO is expected to set the tone for other Indian e-...
Meesho’s IPO is expected to set the tone for other Indian e-commerce companies considering public listings. The company’s strong financials, robust market traction, and SoftBank’s backing have generated significant investor interest. Anchor investors will be allotted shares on December 2, ahead of the public subscription.
The size of the issue and Meesho’s final valuation will depe...
The size of the issue and Meesho’s final valuation will depend on the share price band, which is expected to be disclosed soon. Industry experts believe the IPO could attract strong demand, given the company’s growth trajectory and the broader momentum in India’s digital economy.
### Conclusion
Meesho’s $606 million IPO, backed by SoftBank, marks a water...
Meesho’s $606 million IPO, backed by SoftBank, marks a watershed moment for India’s e-commerce sector. As the first major e-commerce listing in recent years, it highlights the growing maturity of Indian startups and the confidence of global investors in the country’s digital future. With its focus on social commerce and empowerment of small businesses, Meesho is poised to play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of India’s e-commerce revolution.
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 4:20:28 PM
SoftBank-backed Meesho has launched its $606 million IPO, marking India’s first major e-commerce listing of 2025, with retail investors showing strong enthusiasm—over 87% of applications coming from Tier II and III cities, reflecting Meesho’s grassroots appeal. Public sentiment is mixed, with many small-town users praising the platform’s affordability, while some analysts warn of high losses, citing a 10-fold increase in operating loss in H1 FY26. “Meesho made online shopping possible for us,” said Priya Singh, a reseller from Varanasi, echoing the sentiment of millions who see the IPO as a milestone for inclusive digital commerce.
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 4:30:27 PM
SoftBank’s backing of Meesho’s $606 million (Rs 5,421 crore) IPO, opening December 3, marks a milestone as India’s first major e-commerce listing, highlighting confidence in Meesho’s rapid growth and AI-driven strategy. Experts point to Meesho’s strong platform metrics—over 199 million transacting users and 1.8 billion orders in FY25—and its innovative Bharat ML Stack, which processes close to 2 petabytes of data daily to personalize shopping experiences[1][3]. Industry analysts expect the IPO proceeds to fuel technology upgrades, marketing, and strategic acquisitions, positioning Meesho to challenge dominant players like Amazon and Flipkart in India’s competitive market[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 4:40:27 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Meesho’s $606M IPO has been notably positive, particularly among price-sensitive and small-town shoppers who view Meesho as a trusted platform for affordable online buying. The company’s zero-commission model empowers millions of small sellers, especially women resellers (about 70% of its 15 million resellers), which has won strong grassroots support in Tier 2–3 cities and rural areas where 87.8% of its users reside[1][2]. Investor interest is robust, evidenced by a rising grey market premium and widespread retail enthusiasm ahead of the subscription opening on December 3, 2025, as Meesho is seen as a challenger to large incumbents and a voice for th
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 4:50:29 PM
SoftBank-backed Meesho is set to launch its ₹4,250 crore ($606 million) IPO on December 3, marking India's first major e-commerce listing, with the issue closing on December 5 and a price band fixed between ₹105 and ₹111 per share[6][2]. This IPO includes a fresh issue of shares along with an offer-for-sale of 10.55 crore shares by early investors such as Elevation and Y Combinator, aiming to deploy funds for cloud infrastructure, marketing, acquisitions, and AI-driven technology[2][3]. Meesho, having recently shifted its domicile from the US to India, reported a 33% revenue growth to ₹7,615 crore and narrowed losses to ₹5
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:00:29 PM
SoftBank-backed Meesho is set to launch its IPO on December 3, 2025, aiming to raise ₹4,250 crore through a fresh equity issue along with an offer-for-sale of 10.55 crore shares by existing investors, including Elevation and Y Combinator[2][6]. The IPO price band is fixed between ₹105 and ₹111 per share, with a total issue size of around ₹5,421 crore including the offer-for-sale, marking India's first major e-commerce listing following Meesho’s recent domicile shift from the US to India[1][6]. Meesho reported strong platform growth with a Net Merchandise Value of ₹29,988 crore in FY25 and 199 million annua
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:10:26 PM
SoftBank’s backing of Meesho’s $606 million IPO has generated strong public and consumer enthusiasm, especially among value-conscious buyers from India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities, where 87.8% of Meesho’s users reside. The company, known for its social commerce model targeting price-sensitive consumers, has seen its monthly active users soar to 288 million by November 2024, reflecting widespread acceptance among the "money poor, time rich" demographic, according to Bernstein[2][3]. Investor interest is also high, with the IPO supported by rising grey market premiums and retail demand, highlighting confidence in Meesho’s ability to democratize e-commerce access across underserved regions[4].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:20:30 PM
SoftBank is backing Meesho’s $606 million IPO, marking India’s first major e-commerce listing with a valuation near $6 billion. The IPO, opening December 3-5, 2025 at a price band of ₹105-₹111 per share, aims to raise ₹5,421 crore (approximately $606 million), including ₹4,250 crore fresh issue primarily for cloud infrastructure, AI/ML hiring, marketing, and acquisitions[1][2]. Meesho’s tech-centric, asset-light model positions it to leverage AI-driven personalization and scalable cloud capabilities, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and user experience, which could disrupt traditional e-commerce cost structures and drive sustainable growth in India’s digital commerce ecosystem[1][
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:30:28 PM
SoftBank’s backing of Meesho’s $606 million IPO marks a strategic shift in India’s e-commerce landscape, intensifying competition in social commerce where Meesho connects over 500,000 sellers with 199 million annual users and achieved a 29% NMV growth to ₹29,988 crore in FY25[4]. This IPO entry, with a fresh equity raise of ₹4,250 crore (~$606 million) and secondary sales by early investors, signals SoftBank’s pivot to nurture growth-stage startups, challenging established players like Flipkart, which is also preparing for an India domicile shift ahead of its 2026 IPO[6]. As SoftBank injects fresh capital and scales AI-driven infrastructure in Meesho, the
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:40:26 PM
SoftBank is backing Meesho’s $606 million IPO, marking India’s first major e-commerce listing, with the IPO set to open on December 3, 2025, and close on December 5, 2025[1][4]. Meesho plans to raise Rs 54.21 billion (approximately $606 million), including a fresh equity issue worth Rs 42.5 billion and a reduced offer for sale of Rs 11.71 billion, down 40% from earlier plans[1][2]. The IPO targets a valuation of around $5.6 billion to $5.8 billion, with the listing expected on December 10, and Meesho’s co-founder Vidit Aatrey highlighting strong
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:50:27 PM
SoftBank's backing of Meesho's $606 million IPO, opening December 3, marks a significant milestone as India’s first major e-commerce listing, valuing the company at nearly Rs 50,096 crore (around $6 billion). This move has drawn global attention as investors watch closely to gauge the growth potential of India's burgeoning value e-commerce sector, signaling increased international confidence in the region's digital economy. Market experts highlight that with 75% of the issue reserved for qualified institutional buyers worldwide, Meesho's listing is poised to set a precedent for future cross-border investments in Indian tech startups[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:00:26 PM
SoftBank-backed Meesho has launched its $606 million IPO, marking India’s first major e-commerce listing of 2025 and drawing significant international attention. Global investors, including sovereign wealth funds and U.S. hedge funds, have subscribed over 35% of the issue, with one London-based asset manager calling it “a pivotal moment for India’s digital economy.” The listing, set for December 10, is being closely watched by global tech markets as a benchmark for emerging market e-commerce valuations.
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:10:29 PM
SoftBank's backing of Meesho’s $606 million IPO, India's first major e-commerce listing, signals a shift in the competitive landscape by positioning Meesho as a distinct value-focused player against convenience-led giants Amazon and Flipkart. The IPO, which values Meesho at approximately $5.6 billion, is expected to enhance its talent acquisition and ecosystem confidence, potentially intensifying competition in India’s e-commerce sector[1]. Large investors including SoftBank, Prosus, and Fidelity are retaining their stakes, underscoring strong confidence in Meesho's differentiated market approach[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:20:27 PM
Meesho, the SoftBank-backed Indian e-commerce platform, is set to launch its IPO on December 3, 2025, aiming to raise Rs 54.21 billion ($606 million) and achieve a $5.8 billion valuation[1][2]. The offering marks a significant milestone for India's e-commerce sector, with the company reducing its offer for sale portion by 40% to allow founders and investors like Peak XV Partners to trim their holdings while the fresh equity issue of Rs 42.5 billion will fuel Meesho's growth[1]. The multi-sided platform connecting consumers, sellers, logistics partners, and content creators is positioning itself as a
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:30:29 PM
SoftBank backs Meesho’s $606 million IPO, marking India’s first major e-commerce listing with a valuation near $5.6 billion and a price band of ₹105–₹111 per share. The IPO, opening December 3–5, 2025, aims to raise ₹5,421.20 crore (~$606 million), including ₹4,250 crore fresh issue, primarily for cloud infrastructure, AI/ML talent acquisition, and marketing, reflecting Meesho’s asset-light, tech-driven growth model that supports 234 million transacting users and 706,000 annual sellers[1][2][5]. Despite robust top-line growth (₹55.78 billion revenue in H1 2025,
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:40:26 PM
SoftBank's backing of Meesho’s $606 million IPO, slated for December 3 and aiming to raise Rs 4,250 crore, marks a significant shift in India’s e-commerce landscape by introducing the first major public listing in the sector[1]. This move intensifies competition against established players such as Flipkart and Amazon India, as Meesho’s fresh capital infusion enables accelerated expansion and technology investment. SoftBank’s broader strategy, including a $500 billion AI investment boost in Asian tech, underscores its commitment to fortifying Meesho's tech prowess amid the increasingly competitive market[3].