Startup listing gets a new boost

To make stock market listing attractive for startups, leading stock exchange BSE has announced the creation of a new division within its SME segment to list new-age companies. The platform will facilitate the listing of companies in sectors like IT, ITeS, bio-technology and life sciences, 3D printing, space technology and e-commerce.

Besides, the platform will aid in listing of firms from hi-tech defence, drones, nano technologies, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, e-gaming, robotics, genetic engineering, among other sectors.

“In order, to incentivise startup companies...the exchange is pleased to announce the creation of a new sub-segment within the existing SME (small and medium enterprise) segment,” BSE said in a circular. Spelling out the criteria for listing on the BSE startup platform, the exchange said the company should be registered as a startup with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises or Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion.

In case the company is not registered as a start-up then its paid-up capital should be minimum Rs 1 crore. Among other criteria, the company should be in existence for a minimum period of two years, besides, qualified institutional buyer (QIB) or angel investor or any other accredited investor should have invested in the firm for a minimum period of two years at the time of filing of draft prospectus with the BSE.