Smartworks’ Blockbuster IPO Plans, BharatPe Collabs With OTO Capital And Volt Money, SEBI’s New Borrowing Guidelines and more

Smartworks is prepping a blockbuster IPO with a fresh INR 550 Cr issue, while BharatPe joins forces with OTO Capital and Volt Money to offer loans to its merchant partners. Zappfresh sharpens its competitive edge with a second acquisition, expanding its reach into Mumbai's online meat and seafood market.

The quick commerce space is heating up as Flipkart enters the fray, potentially sparking a price war with Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Meanwhile, SEBI's new borrowing guidelines for AIFs aim to provide operational flexibility, setting the stage for smoother business dealings.

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What Matters

“Ek Nayi Shuruat”: Smartworks’ IPO will comprise a fresh issue of INR 550 Cr

Smartworks is gearing up for its IPO with a fresh issue of INR 550 Cr and an offer for sale of 67.49 lakh equity shares. The company, which narrowed its net loss to INR 49.9 Cr while boosting revenue to INR 1039.3 Cr in FY24, has NS Niketan LLP as its largest shareholder, holding a substantial 42.42% stake.

With these numbers, the spotlight is on the people steering Smartworks, as they prepare to make their mark on the public market.

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“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: BharatPe Partners OTO Capital & Volt Money To Offer Loans To Merchant Partners

BharatPe is teaming up with OTO Capital and Volt Money to roll out two-wheeler loans and loans against mutual funds (LAMF) for its merchant partners. Initially, the lending will happen directly on BharatPe's platform, with the partner companies handling the rest.

Fresh off boosting its stake to 60% in Trillion Loans, BharatPe is expanding its financial footprint in a big way.

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“De Kitchen Se Aawaaz Chicken Kuk-doo-koo”: Zappfresh Marks Second Acquisition With Mumbai’s Online Meat & Seafood Delivery

Zappfresh is making waves with its second acquisition, snapping up Mumbai's online meat and seafood delivery service, Bonsaro. This move not only expands its western market presence but also pushes the combined entity towards a target of INR 160 Cr in revenue for FY25.

Following last year’s acquisition of Dr Meat, Zappfresh is beefing up its portfolio and setting the stage for a significant leap in profits.

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“Ab Humari Baari”: Quick Commerce Price Battle Intensifies As Flipkart Enters Blinkit & Swiggy’s Lane

Flipkart’s foray into quick commerce with Blinkit is heating up the price battle, potentially igniting a war among Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. With Flipkart Minutes offering prices 10% lower, analysts suggest it's an aggressive entry strategy by the Walmart-backed giant.

As Ola gears up to automate dark stores, the quick commerce race is about to get even fiercer in the $5 Bn market.

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“Naye Yug Ki Nayi Chunauti”: SEBI Issues Borrowing Guidelines For Category-I & II AIFs

SEBI's new borrowing guidelines give Category-I and II AIFs the green light to take out short-term loans for up to 30 days, covering temporary funding needs and daily operations. This move is designed to offer AIFs more operational flexibility while simplifying business processes.

To keep investors in the loop, AIF managers will need to regularly disclose all borrowing details, ensuring transparency and trust.

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1. Ankur Capital's third fund, targeting INR 1,200 Cr, has secured commitments from British International Investment and the MacArthur Foundation. This backing from existing LPs signals strong confidence in the early-stage venture capital firm's vision.

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2. Awfis shares surged 14% today, reaching a new all-time high of INR 856 on the BSE, boosting the coworking startup's market valuation to INR 5,574 Cr. This impressive rise marks an 80% increase from its listing price, more than doubling its issue price.

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3. Acadru, a Gurugram-based SaaS platform for interdisciplinary learning, has raised Rs 5 lakh in a funding round led by AIG Direct LLC. The investment will fuel market expansion and the development of new content avenues for middle and high school students.

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