Zepto Set to File Confidential IPO Papers — Key Details Explained

132
26 Dec 2025
min read

News Synopsis

India’s fast-growing quick-commerce startup Zepto is moving one step closer to the public markets. The company is expected to file its draft IPO documents today, signalling a major milestone as it prepares for a potential listing between July and September 2026.

Founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has rapidly emerged as one of the leading players in India’s fast-delivery space, competing directly with platforms such as Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and BigBasket.

Zepto’s Investor Base and Backing

Strong participation from global and domestic investors

Zepto has built an impressive investor roster over the years. According to Tracxn, institutional investors backing the company include:

  • General Catalyst

  • CalPERS

  • Y Combinator

  • StepStone Group

  • Avenir

In addition, several well-known strategic investors — such as Elcid Investments, MapmyIndia, and Motilal Oswal — hold stakes in the company, underscoring strong institutional confidence in Zepto’s growth model.

IPO Structure and Banking Partners

Major financial institutions to lead the IPO process

Sources cited by CNBC-TV18 indicate that Zepto has appointed multiple global and Indian investment banks as Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs). These include:

  • Morgan Stanley

  • Axis Capital

  • HSBC

  • Goldman Sachs

  • JM Financial

  • IIFL Securities

  • Motilal Oswal

This lineup suggests an ambitious offering structure designed to attract both domestic and international investors.

Zepto’s Financial Performance

Revenue growth accelerates, but losses widen

Zepto reported strong top-line expansion at the end of the financial year 2025, with revenue rising to ₹11,109 crore, up significantly from ₹4,498 crore in FY24.

However, alongside rapid expansion, the company also recorded higher losses. Net loss nearly tripled to ₹3,367 crore, compared to ₹1,249 crore in the previous year. The figures highlight the high-investment nature of the quick-commerce sector, where companies aggressively deploy capital to scale operations and capture market share.

Valuation and Fundraising History

Big-ticket investments reinforce market expectations

Based on its October 2025 fundraising round, Zepto was valued at $7 billion. During that round, the company raised $450 million, led by US-based institutional investor CalPERS. This valuation placed Zepto among the highest-valued quick-commerce startups in India.

User Growth and Market Position

Rapid expansion in active users

Zepto continues to gain traction among urban consumers. According to a CLSA report, for the week ending December 15, the platform added 1.2 million Weekly Active Users — marking its highest week-on-week increase so far.

In comparison, other key players recorded the following user additions during the same period:

  • Blinkit — 0.4 million

  • Jiomart — 0.4 million

  • Swiggy Instamart — 0.3 million

  • BigBasket — 0.3 million

These figures indicate Zepto’s strong competitive momentum as it prepares for life as a listed company.

What the IPO Means for India’s Quick-Commerce Market

A potential turning point for the sector

If successful, Zepto’s IPO could become one of the most closely watched listings in the consumer-tech category. The public debut is expected to:

  • Increase transparency around unit economics

  • Test investor appetite for quick-commerce business models

  • Potentially accelerate consolidation and competition in the sector

With strong investor backing, rapid user growth, and continued expansion, Zepto’s upcoming IPO could redefine how India’s on-demand delivery industry evolves over the next few years.

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