InMobi, the country’s first unicorn startup, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) exceeding $500 million. As part of its listing strategy, the company has initiated the process of shifting its corporate headquarters from Singapore to India. This move comes ahead of a planned pre-IPO funding round and is seen as a significant step toward aligning its operations more closely with the Indian market.

Pre-IPO Round in the Works

Before the public listing, InMobi is expected to conduct a pre-IPO fundraising round. This financial round will help the company strengthen its capital position and valuation prior to launching its IPO. The timeline and exact financial targets of the pre-IPO round have not yet been disclosed, but the company is reportedly actively working with financial advisors to finalize the structure.

Engagement with Eight Investment Banks

To facilitate its IPO process, InMobi has approached eight investment banks for advisory roles. These banks are expected to assist in drafting regulatory filings, navigating compliance requirements, and marketing the IPO to institutional and retail investors. The selection of advisors will be a key part of the IPO preparation, which also includes financial audits, restructuring efforts, and legal due diligence.

Background of the Company

Founded in 2007, InMobi has grown into a global consumer technology firm specializing in mobile advertising, marketing cloud solutions, and media platforms. In 2011, it was recognized as India’s first unicorn after achieving a valuation exceeding $1 billion. The company has since expanded its services across multiple countries, maintaining a significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions.

IPO to Strengthen Presence in India

Moving the company’s base to India is seen as a strategic decision to align more closely with domestic regulatory frameworks and to capitalize on growing investor interest in Indian technology firms. With the IPO, InMobi aims to enhance its brand visibility within the Indian public markets while retaining its global operational footprint.

Regulatory and Market Considerations

The company’s transition from Singapore to India is expected to involve regulatory approvals, corporate restructuring, and compliance with Indian market norms. This move could potentially make InMobi more attractive to Indian institutional investors and retail participants. Market watchers will be closely monitoring the company’s filings to gauge its valuation metrics and growth assumptions post-listing.

Expected Impact on Indian Startup Ecosystem

InMobi’s decision to go public in India could serve as a catalyst for other mature Indian-origin startups considering domestic listings. As a significant player in the tech space with global operations, the company’s IPO is expected to generate interest from both domestic and international investors, reflecting the evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem.