Ashish Chowdhry, actor and founder of Disrptve Ventures, acquires stake in Swiggy’s Pre-IPO

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of celebrities diversifying their investments by entering the world of startups and pre-IPO ventures. The food and grocery delivery company Swiggy, one of India’s most successful startups, has become a popular choice for such investments. Actor Ashish Chowdhry is the latest celebrity to join the list of high-profile individuals backing Swiggy in its pre-IPO round. Chowdhry, who is also the founder of Disrptve Ventures, has acquired a small stake in Swiggy’s Pre-IPO bond, further highlighting the company’s appeal to investors across various sectors.

Ashish Chowdhry is not the first celebrity to invest in Swiggy. The company has attracted notable figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, and Karan Johar, among others, who have seized the opportunity to be part of a company that has disrupted the Indian food delivery industry. This surge in celebrity investment is not unique to Swiggy. Across industries, celebrities are increasingly becoming active players in the startup ecosystem, particularly in pre-IPO rounds, which offer the potential for significant returns.

Speaking about his decision to invest, Ashish Chowdhry remarked, “Swiggy has significantly transformed the food delivery landscape in India, and participating in their evolution promises to be highly lucrative. The company’s consistent innovation, spanning from food delivery to grocery services, has been instrumental in maintaining its competitive advantage in the industry.” His words reflect the confidence investors have in Swiggy’s ability to continue thriving in a highly competitive market.

Swiggy has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a food delivery platform. Over the years, the company has expanded its services to include grocery delivery, express deliveries, and even alcohol delivery in select regions. This diversification of services has helped Swiggy maintain its relevance and competitive edge, especially as rivals like Zomato and new entrants continue to challenge its position.

The company’s strategic moves, such as its venture into grocery delivery through Swiggy Instamart and its partnership with several restaurants for cloud kitchens, have allowed it to carve out a distinct niche. These innovations have not only attracted more customers but also investors who are looking at the company’s long-term growth potential.

Experts point out that Swiggy’s ability to adapt and expand its offerings has been a key factor in attracting investors like Ashish Chowdhry. The company’s plans to go public have generated excitement among investors, with many seeing Swiggy as a strong candidate for delivering significant returns post-IPO.

Pre-IPO investments have become particularly attractive to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. These investments allow investors to buy shares or bonds in a company before it goes public, often at a lower price than what the shares would be sold for during the initial public offering (IPO). This can result in substantial gains if the company performs well after going public.

“The appeal of pre-IPO investments lies in the potential for significant returns,” says a financial expert quoted in the Economic Times. “Investing before the IPO allows individuals to get in at a lower valuation, and if the company’s public debut is successful, they can see their investments multiply.” For celebrities, who often have access to significant capital, pre-IPO investments present an opportunity to grow their wealth while associating with innovative and fast-growing companies like Swiggy.

Ashish Chowdhry’s investment in Swiggy reflects this growing trend among celebrities. By investing in a company that is already well-established but still on the cusp of further growth through its IPO, Chowdhry is positioning himself to benefit from the company’s continued success.