Start-ups cheer Sebi's new listing norms

Start-ups have welcomed Sebi's decision to ease rules for listing on domestic exchanges saying it will provide them the much needed access to funds.

Sebi's move is mainly aimed at helping start-ups to raise money locally by tapping the capital market rather than going overseas.

While most of these new age companies are pleased with proposed regulations, some are expecting more relaxations including possible tax incentives for investors.

Under the new norms approved by Sebi's board today, stock exchanges would have a separate institutional trading platform for the purpose of listing start-ups while the minimum amount that needs to put in by an investor should be Rs 10 lakh.

"Sebi's proposed plans to implement e-IPO and start-up specific listings platform is a welcome move that will provide much needed access to funds for start-ups," leading e-retailer Snapdeal's spokesperson said in a statement.

"For us at Snapdeal, we are particularly pleased with this move considering that easing of listings norms will benefit India focused companies like ours in the long run," it added.

Echoing a similar view, Funtuse Founder and Business Development Manager Sidharth Dhingra termed the Sebi decision as a good initiative and a "small step in the right direction".

"But unless tax incentives are provided to investors of startups, most firms will still list outside of India for valuations concerns," he added.

Voonik.com CEO Sujayath Ali said it would be good if the minimum investment amount can be reduced to Rs 5 lakh.

"We believe that this would be a great platform for start ups... to raise funds in a regulated yet stimulating environment and more importantly it is a great way for investors to invest in start-ups without substantially large risks," Makemyreturns.com's co-founder Vikram Ramchand said.

The new start-up platform would ensure that Indian start-ups prefer to list on Indian exchanges instead of going to foreign boursse, BSE's MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan said.

Securities and Exchange Board of India ( SEBI )