At the recent IPFEAST 4.0 LEGENDS event in New Delhi, a dynamic exchange unfolded between Helios Capital founder Samir Arora and Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma regarding the intricate nuances of IPO pricing and investor sentiment. The discussion, curated by Safir Anand and supported by Anand & Anand, tackled pressing questions around the valuation of new-age listings, with Arora humorously suggesting that stocks only become attractive after a decline of 50–60 percent. This quip resonated with the audience, highlighting the ongoing tension between market enthusiasm and realistic pricing strategies.
The conversation's backdrop included the much-anticipated Lenskart IPO, which has been priced between Rs 382 and Rs 402 per share. Analysts have expressed caution, noting that while interest in the eyewear retailer remains robust, the ambitious valuation of nearly $8 billion could pose challenges for potential listing gains and long-term returns. Sanjoy Bhattacharya, a market stalwart, added a critical perspective, dismissing the trend of "storytelling" in investing, insisting that decisions should be grounded in concrete data rather than narratives. He starkly stated, “We’re not in the business of winning Pulitzer Prizes,” emphasizing the necessity of rationality in investment.
The event was not solely focused on finance; it celebrated India’s entrepreneurial spirit, as noted by Madhusudan Kela, who asserted that the country is thriving thanks to the relentless drive of its entrepreneurs. The rebranded IPFEAST 4.0 LEGENDS featured influential figures from various sectors, including Manish Malhotra and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, fostering discussions on innovation and intellectual property. The evening culminated with engaging performances by Hargun Kaur and the iconic band Indian Ocean, blending cultural expression with the world of commerce and leaving attendees with a lasting impression of creativity meeting enterprise.