- Ola Electric’s IPO garnered significant interest, receiving bids worth approximately $447 million, which is 1.06 times the shares on offer, according to exchange data on Monday.
- The successful subscription of Ola Electric’s IPO underscores the growing investor confidence in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, particularly in emerging markets like India.
OUR TAKE
Ola Electric’s (OLAE.NS) $734 million initial public offering (IPO) has achieved full subscription on the second day of bidding, despite a sharp sell-off in global equity markets. This milestone marks the first IPO by an electric vehicle maker in India and the country’s largest IPO of the year.
–Miurio huang, BTW reporter
What happened
Ola Electric‘s IPO garnered significant interest, receiving bids worth approximately $447 million, which is 1.06 times the shares on offer, according to exchange data on Monday. This follows a 35% subscription on the first day of bidding, with one more day remaining for potential investors to participate.
The IPO’s success comes amid a backdrop of more than 150 companies raising nearly $5 billion in India’s booming stock market this year. This figure is almost double the amount raised during the same period in 2023, according to LSEG data. Despite recent fresh highs, Indian equity markets experienced their worst day in two months on Monday due to a global market sell-off.
Ola Electric, founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and backed by SoftBank, plans to utilise a substantial portion of the IPO proceeds to invest in in-house cell manufacturing. This strategic move aims to power the company’s own scooters and boost cost efficiency at the currently loss-making firm. This India-first initiative is set to significantly enhance Ola Electric’s production capabilities and market position.
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Why it’s important
The successful subscription of Ola Electric’s IPO underscores the growing investor confidence in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, particularly in emerging markets like India. The IPO has attracted interest from major institutions, including Nomura, Norges Bank, and several domestic mutual funds, which collectively bid for $2 billion worth of shares—six times the amount allocated for institutional investors.
Ola Electric’s aggressive entry into the e-scooter market has already disrupted traditional manufacturers, prompting companies like TVS, Hero MotoCorp, and Bajaj Auto to pivot and adapt to the shifting landscape. The company’s focus on in-house cell manufacturing not only aims to reduce costs but also positions it as a key player in the sustainable mobility market.
The success of Ola Electric’s IPO highlights a broader trend of increasing capital inflow into the EV sector, driven by global sustainability goals and the push for greener technologies. As India’s largest IPO of the year, it sets a precedent for future offerings and emphasises the potential of Indian startups to attract significant investment, even amid volatile market conditions.
Ola Electric’s fully subscribed IPO reflects robust investor interest and confidence in the company’s strategic vision and the broader EV market. This development is a significant milestone for Ola Electric and a testament to the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the Indian stock market.
