India’s homegrown eyewear unicorn, Lenskart, is officially gearing up for its Initial Public Offering (IPO). One of the most anticipated listings in recent years. The company, known for disrupting the eyewear industry with its omni-channel retail model. Aims to bring clarity not just to vision but now to investors’ portfolios as well.
As per the latest news reports, Lenskart has filed preliminary papers with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India). For its IPO, expected to launch in early 2025. This marks a major milestone for the company that started as a small online eyewear store and grew into a billion-dollar enterprise.
About Lenskart: A Brief Company Overview
Founded in 2010 by Peyush Bansal. Lenskart began as an online eyewear retailer with a mission to make quality glasses affordable for everyone. Over the years, it evolved into a tech-driven, omni-channel brand. Offering eyewear both online and through more than 2,500 retail outlets across India and abroad.
The company specializes in prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, with a strong focus on personalization and precision. What sets Lenskart apart is its use of AI-powered virtual try-ons. 3D face mapping, and home eye test services, blending technology with convenience.
Today, Lenskart operates not only in India but also in international markets such as Singapore, Dubai, and the Middle East. Positioning itself as a global eyewear player. Backed by marquee investors and driven by innovation, it has become a household name — and now, it’s ready to take the next big leap by entering the stock market.
Lenskart’s Journey: From Startup to Eyewear Powerhouse
Lenskart’s rise is one of India’s most inspiring startup stories. What started from a small office in Delhi NCR quickly became a revolution in how Indians buy glasses. The founder, Peyush Bansal, famously rejected high corporate jobs to create something impactful for everyday people — affordable vision care.
Over the years, Lenskart’s aggressive expansion strategy included setting up manufacturing units, launching Lenskart Studios, and investing heavily in AI-based eye testing technology. Its hybrid model — combining online convenience with offline trust — allowed it to tap into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, making it a true “Bharat brand.”
In 2019, Lenskart achieved unicorn status after securing major funding from SoftBank Vision Fund, valuing the company at over $1.5 billion. Since then, it has continued to grow rapidly, acquiring other eyewear brands and investing in startups like Neso Brands to strengthen its international presence.
Why Lenskart Decided to Go Public Now
The timing of the Lenskart IPO is strategic. After more than a decade of growth, Lenskart is now profitable, well-recognized, and in a strong position to capitalize on India’s booming consumer market. The eyewear sector, valued at over ₹15,000 crore, is growing at an annual rate of 15–20%, and Lenskart commands a large share of that market.
Moreover, investor confidence in consumer-tech IPOs is returning after a turbulent phase in 2023–2024. With the economy stabilizing and consumer demand soaring, Lenskart sees this as the right moment to unlock value for its shareholders and raise capital for further expansion.
According to reports, Peyush Bansal aims to use the IPO to fuel global growth, open new experience stores, and invest in next-gen technologies like AI-driven eye health solutions and smart glasses.
Key Highlights of the Lenskart IPO
- IPO Type: Fresh issue + Offer for Sale (OFS)
- Estimated Size: Around $600–700 million (₹5,000–₹6,000 crore)
- Expected Valuation: Over $5 billion
- Lead Managers: Morgan Stanley, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and Citi Group
- Expected Launch: First half of 2025
- Listing Exchanges: NSE and BSE
Lenskart’s IPO is likely to include both fresh issue shares (to raise new capital) and an offer for sale, where existing investors will partially offload their holdings.
Investors and Stakeholders Behind Lenskart
Over the years, Lenskart has attracted a stellar lineup of investors, including:
- SoftBank Vision Fund
- Alpha Wave Global
- Kedaara Capital
- Temasek Holdings
- Premji Invest
- ChrysCapital
These investors have supported Lenskart’s global expansion and innovation projects, helping it become one of the few profitable unicorns in India’s consumer tech space. The IPO will allow some of these investors to partially exit while giving retail investors a chance to own a piece of this eyewear success story.
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