SBI Mutual Fund Invests in Lenskart Pre-IPO: Rs 100 Crore Strategic Deal as Promoter Neha Bansal Trims Stake
SBI Mutual Fund invests in Lenskart pre-IPO in a significant transaction worth Rs 100 crore, signalling strong institutional confidence ahead of the eyewear company’s highly anticipated IPO opening on October 31, 2025. The deal involves the purchase of equity shares at Rs 402 per share, reinforcing market expectations around Lenskart’s valuation and growth trajectory.
SBI Mutual Fund Invests in Lenskart Pre-IPO: Transaction Overview
The investment was routed through SBI Optimal Equity Fund (AIF) and SBI Emergent Fund (AIF), both managed by SBI Mutual Fund. As part of the transaction, promoter Neha Bansal reduced her holding slightly, trimming her stake from 7.61% to 7.46% by transferring 2,487,561 equity shares. Importantly, this sale is not part of the Offer for Sale (OFS) in the upcoming IPO — it is strictly a pre-IPO secondary transaction.
This transaction follows another major pre-IPO investment by billionaire Radhakishan Damani, founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart), who reportedly invested ~Rs 90 crore in Lenskart recently. The back-to-back interest from high-profile investors indicates positive sentiment around the company’s growth momentum.
Why Investors Are Bullish on Lenskart
The eyewear market in India is expanding rapidly due to rising digital screen usage, lifestyle shifts, and increasing awareness of eye health. Lenskart has positioned itself strongly with:
Omnichannel presence (online + offline)
Company-Owned Company-Operated (CoCo) retail model expansion
Affordable + premium category segmentation
Technology-driven supply chain & lens manufacturing
The company has developed manufacturing and design facilities in Bhiwadi and Gurugram, along with global hubs in Singapore and the UAE, enabling scalability at competitive cost structures.
Utilization of Upcoming IPO Proceeds
According to its filings, Lenskart plans to deploy fresh IPO funds for:
| Purpose | Strategic Outcome |
|---|---|
| Opening new CoCo retail outlets | Increased market penetration in Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities |
| Lease & rental support | Store expansion stability |
| Tech & cloud upgrades | Enhanced customer buying experience |
| Marketing & brand development | Deeper recall across consumer segments |
| Inorganic acquisitions | Accelerated global expansion |
| General corporate needs | Operating flexibility |
Brand Portfolio: Serving Every Consumer Segment
Lenskart’s portfolio is structured to target multiple price segments:
John Jacobs & Owndays → Premium & designer category
Vincent Chase & Lenskart Air → Style-conscious mid-range customers
Hustlr & Hooper Kids → Youth and children’s eyewear
Additionally, the company is set to acquire the remaining 80% stake in Stellio Ventures SL, owner of the Meller brand in Spain, further supporting global brand positioning.
Market Signal: Confidence with Caution
While SBI Mutual Fund invests in Lenskart pre-IPO suggests strong institutional faith, analysts are closely watching:
Margin sustainability
Competitive pressure from Titan Eye+ & local players
International expansion cost efficiency
However, Lenskart’s brand loyalty + distribution network remains a major competitive advantage.
Conclusion
The Rs 100 crore investment demonstrates institutional trust in Lenskart’s growth strategy, business fundamentals, and long-term scalability. With strong investor participation, an expanded retail footprint, and ongoing global acquisitions, the stage is set for one of the most closely watched IPOs of 2025.
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