Loss-making startups slash OFS share as IPO scrutiny tightens; Zepto, PWA, Curefoods load up on fresh issue

Zepto (Rs 8,010 cr), Curefoods (Rs 800 cr) and others are anchoring IPOs on fresh issues, with OFS shrinking to 10-11% at Ola Electric and PhysicsWallah versus a ~80% median in the 2021-22 cohort. Signal: capital is for growth, not early exits, as public-market patience for cash-burning consumer plays thins.

— Source publishedTue, 23 Jun, 2026, 08:50 IST·First seen Tue, 23 Jun, 2026, 10:21 IST·Source ET Retail

What happened

Young loss-making Indian consumer startups like Zepto, PhysicsWallah and Curefoods are keeping OFS portions lean and fresh issues large, signalling IPO proceeds

Key facts

  • Rs 8,010 crore Zepto fresh issue
  • Rs 800 crore Curefoods fresh issue
  • 10-11% OFS for Ola Electric and PhysicsWallah
  • ~80% median OFS in 2021-22 cohort

Why this matters

With consumer IPO proceeds now overwhelmingly earmarked for fresh-issue growth capital, expect more aggressive M&A war chests at Zepto, Curefoods and peers, reshaping competitive consolidation timelines.