Bike taxi aggregator Rapido is aiming to initiate its public listing process by the end of next year, as stated by Co-Founder Aravind Sanka in a recent interview with PTI. The company anticipates sustaining its impressive growth rate of 100 percent year-on-year over the coming years, positioning itself as a significantly larger contender than its closest competitor prior to the initial public offering (IPO).
Sanka emphasized the company’s focus on growth before contemplating market entry. “We just want to grow further before thinking about markets. Our goal is to continue the 100 percent growth rate we have experienced over the last two years for a few more years before considering the market,” he remarked.
When asked about preparing for an IPO after two years, Sanka indicated that timelines may shift each quarter based on the company’s performance. Nevertheless, he underscored that Rapido aims to be ready regardless of external market conditions. “We are making moves in terms of preparedness and business strategies. We want to be there by the end of next year,” he noted.
Sanka expressed optimism about nearing operational profitability in the current fiscal year, attributing this to the lack of cash burn experienced by competitors. He stated, “As a company, operationally, we are profitable, which means we have removed some fixed costs. We no longer incur losses. Our investments are focused on brand campaigns as our primary growth strategy.”
He added that Rapido reached profitability in one quarter last year and aims for similar results this entire year. Additionally, Sanka claimed that the company’s subscription fee relative to revenues is significantly lower than that of its competitors, which typically pass on higher costs to users and drivers.
A recent secondary share sale by Swiggy valued Rapido at approximately USD 2.3 billion. Swiggy, which previously held about a 12 percent stake in Rapido, divested its shares for around Rs 2,400 crore (approximately USD 270 million) in September 2025, citing potential conflicts arising from Rapido’s intent to enter the food delivery market.
Sanka also mentioned that the company is providing exit options for investors seeking liquidity through secondary sales. He pointed out that the value of early investors’ stakes has multiplied by 10 to 15 times since their initial investments.
Skycatcher, LLC Founder Sia Kamalie, an initial investor, remarked that his investments in Rapido are long-term. He highlighted the company’s exciting potential for entering and expanding into new categories, noting, “Rapido will expand the ride-sharing category into new cities where Uber and Ola do not operate and explore food deliveries from a cost-effective perspective.”
Kamalie stressed that Rapido is focused on offering affordable services compared to current market players, thus broadening options for consumers beyond just the middle and upper classes. “It’s an exciting time for India’s internet ecosystem as you have a player dedicated to lowering prices and expanding options,” he concluded.
Founded in 2015 by Pavan Guntupalli, Rishikesh SR, and Aravind Sanka, Rapido has garnered significant investment since its inception. The company’s trajectory suggests a continued focus on innovative and affordable transportation solutions in the evolving market landscape.
Published on November 9, 2025.
