Zepto, the Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup, is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) by facilitating a secondary share sale worth up to $250 million. This strategic move aims to increase Indian investor ownership from approximately 33% to nearly 50% before the anticipated public listing later this year or early next year.

Funding and Investor Details

The secondary sale will involve private equity firms, including Motilal Oswal Financial Services and Edelweiss Financial Services, allowing existing investors and employees to liquidate their shares. Although Zepto will not raise additional capital through this transaction, it is expected to execute the sale at a valuation of just over $5 billion, consistent with its last funding round in November 2024.

Objectives Behind the Sale

The primary goal of this secondary share sale is to enhance domestic ownership in Zepto, aligning with regulatory preferences and making the IPO more attractive to local institutional investors. Co-founders Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra currently hold about 20% of the company, and increasing Indian shareholder stakes is seen as a way to strengthen governance and influence over the company’s future direction.

Market Context

Zepto operates in India’s competitive grocery delivery market, facing challenges from established players like Amazon India, Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket. Founded in 2021 by Palicha and Vohra after they dropped out of Stanford University, Zepto has quickly gained traction in the quick commerce sector.

Conclusion

As Zepto approaches its IPO, this secondary share sale represents a crucial step in solidifying its position in the Indian market. By boosting domestic investor participation, Zepto aims to enhance its credibility and appeal as it prepares for a public listing amidst a wave of Indian startups entering the stock market.

Global investment management firm Vanguard Group has made a notable entry into the Indian stock market by acquiring shares of CarTrade Tech Ltd., an online auto-classifieds platform, valued at approximately INR 129 crore. This marks Vanguard’s first investment in CarTrade, highlighting its growing interest in India’s digital automotive sector.

Acquisition Details

On March 21, 2025, Vanguard purchased 7.13 lakh shares of CarTrade through bulk deals, at an average price of INR 1,804 per share. The acquisition included 3.3 lakh shares bought by the Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund and 3.83 lakh shares by the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund, totaling an investment of INR 128.77 crore.

CarTrade’s Strong Performance

This acquisition coincides with a positive trend for CarTrade, whose shares have surged approximately 19.05% year-to-date, even as broader Indian equities faced corrections. The company’s recent financial results showed a net profit of INR 45.53 crore for Q3 FY25, a significant turnaround from a loss of INR 23.55 crore in the same quarter last year.

Market Context

Vanguard’s investment reflects a broader trend among institutional investors capitalizing on rising stock prices in the Indian market. As CarTrade continues to demonstrate robust growth, it is likely to attract further interest from both domestic and international investors looking to capitalize on India’s evolving tech landscape.

In summary, Vanguard Group’s strategic acquisition of CarTrade shares underscores its commitment to investing in India’s burgeoning digital economy and confidence in the company’s future growth prospects.

Tinder has introduced Tinder U, a new feature tailored for university and college students in India. This in-app experience simplifies connections by letting students match with peers from their own campus or nearby colleges. Verified users can personalize their profiles with details like graduation year, major, and campus activities to find matches based on shared interests.

Key features include:

• Simplified Connections: Users can express interest with ‘Like’ or ‘Super Like,’ eliminating awkward DMs.
• Local Matches: Prioritizes connections within the university and nearby colleges.
• Safe Environment: Only verified students can join, ensuring authenticity.

To access Tinder U, students must verify their college email address (e.g., ending in .edu.in or .ac.in). Once enrolled, they unlock a customized dating experience, including an exclusive app icon for iOS users. This feature aims to foster genuine connections and enhance campus social life, making it easier to meet study partners, friends, or romantic interests