An SME IPO is when a small and medium-sized enterprise sells shares to the public for the first time to raise money. It is just like a regular IPO. However, it’s meant for smaller companies. After the SME IPO ends, the company's shares are listed on platforms like BSE SME or NSE Emerge. Post listing, anyone can buy or sell these shares on the stock exchange. This helps SMEs secure more funding and increase their visibility.
Companies launch an SME IPO primarily to raise capital from the public for business growth. This money can help them buy new machines, expand into new areas, or repay loans. The company can also become more well-known through an IPO. This can help bring more customers and partners. It also gives company owners the opportunity to sell some of their shares if they wish to do so.
The minimum size for an SME IPO application has been increased to two lots, with a minimum investment of ₹2 lakh. This is done to encourage wider participation. Also, the allocation for larger non-institutional investors (NIIs) is now split into two parts. While one-third of the shares are reserved for those applying for between two and ten lots (up to ₹10 lakh), the remaining two-thirds are set aside for those applying for more than ₹10 lakh.
Yes, SME IPOs can be risky, as they are IPOs of smaller businesses that may not have a long track record. This makes their future performance harder to predict. Because fewer shares are available, the stock price can also be very volatile. These can experience significant fluctuations within a short period. Additionally, it may be challenging to sell the shares quickly if needed, as there are fewer buyers and sellers in the market. So, while they offer a chance for high returns, they carry high risk.
SME IPOs can be a good investment option. They offer you a chance to participate in the growth of a company in its early stages. Think of it as investing in a future success story before everyone else does. While there's potential for meaningful returns if the company performs well, remember that these are smaller businesses. They can be more vulnerable to market ups and downs than larger and more established companies.
An SME IPO is best suited for those who are comfortable with higher risk and have a long-term investment outlook. Since these stocks may not be traded as often as those of larger companies, you should also be prepared for lower liquidity. It means it might be harder to buy or sell shares quickly. It's a great opportunity for those who want to find a potential multibagger and are willing to be patient as the company grows.
The lock-up period for an SME IPO is a specified time during which certain investors are prohibited from selling their shares. This rule is in place to build confidence and prevent the stock price from immediately dropping after listing. While 50% of the equity shares for anchor investors are locked in 90 days, the remaining 50% of the shares have a lock-in period of 30 days from the allotment date.
The SME IPO subscription period is a short window of time during which investors can apply for the shares. You need to make sure you submit your application and block your funds during this specific period. Once the subscription period ends, you can’t apply for the shares. You can find the IPO subscription period dates on the company’s red herring prospectus.
Once the bidding period is over, the company's registrar takes over to handle the allotment. If the IPO is oversubscribed, the allotment is done through a lottery system for retail investors. This ensures everyone who applied has an equal chance. For larger investors, the shares are distributed on a proportionate basis. Essentially, the system distributes shares in a fair manner. If you get allotment, the shares are credited directly to your Demat account.
Yes, you can buy SME IPO shares on the listing day. Once the shares get listed, you can buy them like any other stock. You need to have an active Demat and trading account to buy or sell your shares on the listing day.
The application process is simple and straightforward. You need to have a Demat and Trading account. Once you’ve them, log in to your broker's platform, find the live SME IPO from the SME IPO list you're interested in and place your bid. You can pay easily using ASBA through your net banking or with a simple UPI transaction. After this, keep an eye out for the allotment. If you receive the allotment, the shares will be credited to your Demat account.
The SME IPO online application is simple. Log in to your Demat account, choose the IPO, choose the number of lots, and place your bid through ASBA. Once your bid is successful, the money gets debited from your account, and you are allotted the shares in your Demat account.
Yes, you can apply for an SME IPO even if you don’t have an account with Kotak Securities. However, note that you need to have an account with any broker registered with Sebi. Without it, it’s not possible to apply for SME IPOs. An account with Kotak Securities allows you to seamlessly invest in SME IPOs and other financial products as per your needs at the most competitive prices.