E-commerce & consumer internet companies raised over US$7 billion in PE/VC capital in 2018: EY report

E-commerce and consumer internet companies have raised over $7 billion in private equity and venture capital in 2018, says EY report, launched at the IVCA Conclave 2019. The report titled ‘E-commerce and Consumer Internet Sector – India Trendbook 2019’ highlights that majority of the funding is towards building the supply chain, expanding into new segments, global expansion, acquisition or consolidation, and bringing innovative product offerings to the market.

The report covers the following sectors as part of e-commerce and consumer internet, including hyperlocal, travel and hospitality, B2C, edtech, payments and wallets, B2B, mobility, fintech, healthtech, social commerce, gaming, logistics tech, online classifieds and services sector. Of all companies, start-ups like OYO, Swiggy, Byjus, PayTm Mall, Pine Labs, Zomato, Udaan, PolicyBazaar and CureFit have collectively raised $4.6 billion in 2018 of the total investments into this segment.

Ankur Pahwa, Partner and National Leader (E-Commerce and Consumer Internet), EY India, said, “The Indian e-commerce and consumer internet sector has seen a significant inflow of capital in the year 2018, making India one of the most exciting destinations to invest in across the globe. This massive opportunity has been unlocked by the increasing number of digital transactions, digital literacy and the rise of rural e-commerce, growing use of vernacular content, adoption of the omni-channel strategy, low mobile data tariffs coupled with data-driven personalization, and stimulus provided by Government of India’s Digital India programme, and also programmes such as Start Up India and Make in India.”

Vivek Soni, Partner and Leader (Private Equity Services), EY India, stated, “The last four years have witnessed a spectacular increase in PE/VC investments in India and e-commerce has been one of the leading sectors in attracting these investments. Globally, India remains the only meaningfully large consumer and retail market with significant headroom for future growth that is open to foreign investment. The exits recorded by the investors in 2018 showcase the trust placed by the PE / VC community in the Indian start-up ecosystem.  These exits are just not limited to consolidation within the market players but include investments by large global organizations, which clearly pave the way for the next level of growth for the Indian start-up ecosystem.”