Radhakishan Damani Invests ₹90 Crore in Lenskart Ahead of IPO, Signaling Strong Market Confidence

In a major boost to India’s eyewear retail sector, billionaire investor Radhakishan Damani, founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart), has invested ₹90 crore in Lenskart Solutions Pvt. Ltd. ahead of its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). The investment, part of a pre-IPO funding round, underscores growing investor confidence in Lenskart’s business model, market reach, and future growth potential.

The IPO-bound Lenskart is preparing to raise ₹2,150 crore through fresh issuance of equity shares, while promoters and existing investors plan to offload 13.22 crore shares via an offer-for-sale (OFS). The public offering is expected to open for subscription next week, marking a significant milestone for the company that has rapidly expanded its footprint across India and international markets.

Lenskart’s IPO Structure and Objectives

The funds raised through the IPO will be utilized for expanding Lenskart’s store network, investing in technology infrastructure, marketing initiatives, and potential acquisitions. The company aims to strengthen its omnichannel presence and deepen its penetration in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Radhakishan Damani’s Strategic Investment

Damani’s ₹90 crore investment is seen as a strategic endorsement of Lenskart’s growth trajectory. Known for his conservative investment style and deep understanding of retail dynamics, Damani’s backing adds credibility to Lenskart’s IPO narrative.

Industry experts believe that Damani’s involvement could attract more institutional investors and retail subscribers to the IPO. His track record with DMart, which has consistently delivered strong returns post-listing, adds weight to his investment decisions.

Lenskart’s Business Snapshot

Lenskart has positioned itself as a tech-driven eyewear brand, offering AI-powered eye tests, virtual try-ons, and home eye check-ups. Its hybrid model of online and offline retail has helped it scale rapidly while maintaining customer engagement.

Promoter and Investor Exit Strategy

The OFS component of the IPO will allow early investors and promoters to partially exit their holdings. This includes SoftBank-backed SVF II Lightbulb (Cayman) Ltd, Schroders Capital Private Equity Asia, and Kedaara Capital.

While the OFS allows for liquidity, the fresh equity issuance will ensure capital infusion for growth initiatives.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Views

The IPO has generated significant buzz in financial circles. Analysts are optimistic about Lenskart’s valuation, citing its strong brand recall, scalable business model, and tech integration.

“Lenskart is one of the few consumer tech companies with a clear path to profitability,” said a Mumbai-based analyst. “Damani’s investment is a vote of confidence that could influence retail sentiment positively.”

Competitive Landscape in Eyewear Retail

Lenskart competes with traditional optical chains and emerging D2C brands. Its ability to offer affordable, stylish eyewear with tech-enabled services gives it an edge.

Lenskart’s aggressive expansion and branding have helped it capture a significant share of the organized eyewear market.

Social Media Buzz and Investor Engagement

The announcement of Damani’s investment has sparked conversations across social media and investor forums. Hashtags like #LenskartIPO, #DamaniInvests, and #EyewearBoom have trended on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.

Retail investors are closely watching the IPO dates, with many expressing interest in subscribing due to Damani’s involvement.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

Post-IPO, Lenskart plans to:

• Expand to 5,000 stores by 2027
• Launch new product lines including smart eyewear
• Strengthen presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East
• Invest in AI and machine learning for personalized recommendations
• Explore strategic acquisitions in the eyewear and health-tech space

These initiatives are expected to drive revenue growth and improve margins.

Conclusion

Radhakishan Damani’s ₹90 crore investment in Lenskart ahead of its IPO is a powerful endorsement of the company’s vision and execution. As Lenskart gears up for its ₹2,150 crore public offering, investor sentiment is buoyant, and market watchers are optimistic about its listing performance. With a robust business model, tech-driven operations, and strategic backing, Lenskart is poised to make a strong debut on the Indian stock exchanges.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and financial disclosures. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All views expressed are for informational purposes only.