As investors seize opportunities, India has broken its record for the amount of money raised this year, making it one of the world's top marketplaces for transactions like initial public offerings.
This voracious hunger for initial public offerings (IPOs) was highlighted by Vishal Mega Mart Ltd.'s market debut on Wednesday, as the retailer's shares increased by over 40%. Several women on the front lines predict that the feeding frenzy will continue till 2025.
JM Financial Ltd.'s managing director and chief executive officer of investment banking, Sonia Dasgupta, stated, "We are preparing for another busy year, both in terms of IPOs and M&A."
"Organisations that are able to attract, retain and nurture women have the leverage of a bigger and better pool of talent," Dasgupta told. Her company's meritocratic approach always takes precedence resulting in strong engagement by women at all levels," she explained.
"In the end, it comes down to someone's ability and expertise," said Surbhi Kejriwal, a partner at the law firm Khaitan & Co.
On the deal front, global corporations are evaluating a variety of options for increasing efficiency, including abandoning the market, selling shares, and growing, according to Dasgupta.
Since January, India's IPOs have raised more than $19 billion, breaking the previous annual high of $17.8 billion set in 2021. They include the country's largest-ever offering, with Hyundai Motor Co.'s local business raising $3.3 billion. Swiggy Ltd., a food delivery company, and NTPC Green Energy Ltd. are two additional companies that have surpassed the $1 billion mark, with Vishal Mega Mart not far behind.
Strong economic development has drawn global investors, and the billions of dollars poured into local mutual funds each month have bolstered equities markets even as some foreigners have sold. The benchmark Sensex is up about 10% in 2024 and is on track to post its ninth consecutive year of gains.
"The level of IPO activity in 2024 has been unprecedented, thanks in part to a surge in demand from both institutional and retail investors," said Dhruvi Kanabar Shahra, the founder of family office DHSK Advisors. She also noted that technology and remote work have come in handy when starting a family, particularly for women.
"As a mother of very young kids, finding the right work-life balance is key," she added.
