PhonePe, Flipkart, Zepto, Oyo Defer Dalal Street Debut as Conflict Chills Appetite

New-age startups are stalling IPO plans amid the US-Iran flare-up and tepid markets. Just 20 mainboard IPOs raised under Rs 20,000 crore YTD versus Rs 27,000 crore from six new-age listings prior. SEBI has extended IPO approval validity by six months, giving issuers room to wait out volatility.

— Source publishedMon, 25 May, 2026, 04:39 IST·First seen Mon, 25 May, 2026, 04:54 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

Indian startups including PhonePe, Flipkart, Zepto and Oyo are delaying IPO plans amid US-Iran conflict and weak markets. Only 20 mainboard IPOs raised under Rs

Key facts

  • $1.3 billion
  • Rs 20,000 crore
  • Rs 27,000 crore
  • 20 mainboard IPOs
  • 6 new age listings

Why this matters

SEBI's six-month approval extension creates a strategic window to revisit M&A as an alternative path for IPO-ready targets like PhonePe, Flipkart, Zepto, and Oyo whose listings are now deferred.