As Lenskart prepares to make its debut on the Indian stock exchanges on November 10, 2025, founder and CEO Peyush Bansal has delivered a deeply personal message to stakeholders, emphasizing that while “profit is oxygen,” it is “purpose that is breath.” His reflections, shared through a heartfelt letter and social media posts, have struck a chord with entrepreneurs, investors, and customers alike, positioning Lenskart’s IPO not as a culmination but as the beginning of a new chapter.
Bansal’s note, written on the eve of the listing, celebrates the company’s 15-year journey from a small Delhi-based startup to a global eyewear brand. He recalls the early days of solving a simple human problem—helping millions of Indians see clearly—and highlights the emotional impact of moments like a teacher regaining her ability to read her students’ notebooks.
🧠 Key Highlights from Peyush Bansal’s IPO Message
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Lenskart IPO listing (November 10, 2025) |
| Speaker | Peyush Bansal, Founder & CEO |
| Core Message | “Profit is oxygen. But purpose is breath.” |
| Reflections | Gratitude, humility, and long-term vision |
| IPO Philosophy | “Every customer we serve is our IPO.” |
| Emotional Anchor | “Day Zero” — a fresh start, not a finish line |
Bansal’s message reframes the IPO as a milestone in a purpose-led journey, not a financial endpoint.
📊 Lenskart’s Journey to IPO – Timeline of Growth
| Year | Milestone Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Lenskart founded in Delhi | Entry into online eyewear retail |
| 2014 | First offline store launched | Omnichannel strategy begins |
| 2019 | Unicorn status achieved | Valuation crosses $1 billion |
| 2022 | Expansion to Southeast Asia and Middle East | Global footprint established |
| 2025 | IPO listing on Indian stock exchanges | Public market debut |
The company’s growth has been marked by innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic expansion.
🗣️ Reactions from Startup Ecosystem and Investors
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Startup Founders | “Bansal’s message is a masterclass in leadership.” |
| Venture Capitalists | “Lenskart’s IPO is a validation of India’s D2C model.” |
| Customers | “We feel part of the journey—this is our IPO too.” |
| Industry Analysts | “The emotional branding sets Lenskart apart.” |
The IPO is being celebrated not just for its financial significance but for its cultural resonance.
📈 Lenskart’s Financial Snapshot Pre-IPO
| Metric | FY 2023–24 | FY 2024–25 (Est.) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹1,650 crore | ₹2,200 crore | +33% |
| EBITDA Margin | 12.5% | 15.8% | ↑ |
| Store Count | 1,200+ | 1,500+ | ↑ |
| International Markets | 4 | 7 | ↑ |
Strong financials and operational scale have positioned Lenskart for a successful listing.
📌 Strategic Themes in Bansal’s Message
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose-Driven Growth | Focus on solving real human problems over chasing valuation |
| People-Centric Culture | Acknowledgement of engineers, designers, and frontline staff |
| Customer as Core | “Every customer we serve is our IPO” — redefining stakeholder value |
| Day Zero Philosophy | IPO as a beginning, not an end |
These themes reflect a mature, mission-led approach to entrepreneurship.
📊 Lenskart vs Global Eyewear Players
| Brand | Market Presence | Business Model | IPO Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenskart | India, SEA, UAE | Omnichannel, D2C | IPO Nov 2025 |
| Warby Parker | US | D2C, subscription | Listed (NYSE) |
| Luxottica | Global | Wholesale, retail | Merged with Essilor |
| Zenni Optical | US | Online-only | Private |
Lenskart’s hybrid model and emerging market focus differentiate it from global peers.
📌 Conclusion
Peyush Bansal’s message ahead of Lenskart’s IPO is a powerful reminder that business is not just about profit—it’s about purpose. By framing the listing as “Day Zero,” Bansal has redefined what success looks like in the Indian startup ecosystem. As Lenskart enters the public market, its journey continues—with every customer, every smile, and every vision of clarity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, official statements, and verified financial data. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
