Orios Venture Partners Expands Focus on Pre-IPO Bets

Orios Venture Partners, known for its investments in early-stage ventures, is shifting its strategy towards pre-initial public offering (IPO) deals to optimize returns. The firm recently closed its $30 million Select Fund I in June 2021, earmarking it for such pre-IPO investments alongside follow-on and fresh rounds. With three funds closed to date, totaling over $230 million, Orios is gearing up to capitalize on the impending public market debuts of companies like PharmEasy, MobiKwik, and ixigo.

Embracing Pre-IPO Opportunities

In the first half of 2021, Orios Venture Partners made strategic investments in companies such as Mobikwik and ixigo, both of which have filed preliminary papers for their IPOs. With an average investment ranging from $1 million to $3 million per company, Orios aims to bolster its pre-IPO portfolio significantly in the coming years.

“This is an opportunistic play for us,” says Anup Jain, managing partner at Orios Venture Partners. The firm plans to focus on 6-7 priority sectors for pre-IPO investments, including travel, BFSI, health, logistics, agriculture, gaming, and online marketplaces. The overarching theme is to identify companies catering to the next billion users in India.

Building on Past Successes

Orios Venture Partners boasts a diverse portfolio comprising over 70 companies across various sectors. Notable investments include Nazara Technologies, a gaming giant that went public in March 2021, and PharmEasy, an online pharmacy startup that recently made headlines with its acquisition of Thyrocare.

Jain highlights the momentum of digital adoption and the proliferation of businesses progressing towards IPOs as key drivers behind the firm’s strategic shift. Learning from the success of portfolio companies like Pharmeasy, Orios aims to leverage late-stage IPO plans to generate value for its investors.

Looking Ahead

As Orios Venture Partners continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of pre-IPO investments, it remains committed to identifying promising opportunities and delivering strong returns. With a track record of successful exits and a pipeline of potential high-growth ventures, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s evolving startup ecosystem and drive value for its shareholders.