Unlocking Exit Strategies in India's Startup Ecosystem

Blume Ventures just released a report on startup exits in India. Here's the breakdown:

Exit Strategies: 3 Main Types

1. Secondaries: Quick Cash Options

• Angels exit first, typically under $75M
• Micro-VCs target $75M-$500M range
• Large institutions aim for $500M+, usually 7-8 years in

2. M&A: From Small Buys to Big Deals

• Under $20M deals are mostly for talent
• Real returns start at $50M+
• $500M+ deals are rare, need major buyers

3. IPOs: The Big League

• More accessible than thought: Even $10-20M revenue companies can list
• SME exchanges offer options for smaller players
• $1B+ listings reserved for top players, usually after a decade

Key Points:

1. Patience matters: Big exits often take 7-12 years
2. Profitability is crucial: Markets reward it
3. IPO boom expected: Projections show 5x increase by 2025

In short: India's startup scene is maturing. Exit options exist, but require strategic long-term thinking. For founders and investors alike, understanding these patterns is key to long-term success.

Full report: https://blume.vc/commentaries/decoding-exit-patterns-in-the-indian-startup-ecosystem-blume-ventures-perspective