August 19, 2025 – Captain Fresh, a leading Bengaluru-based online platform specializing in meat and seafood, has taken a significant step toward becoming a publicly listed company. On August 12, 2025, the company confidentially filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), aiming to raise between $350 million and $400 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
This move signals Captain Fresh’s ambitious plans to scale its operations and strengthen its foothold in the competitive online food delivery and supply chain market. The IPO is expected to provide the capital needed to expand its technological infrastructure, enhance supply chain efficiencies, and explore new markets both domestically and internationally.
A Growing Force in the Online Meat and Seafood Market
Founded in 2019, Captain Fresh has quickly emerged as a key player in the B2B segment of the online meat and seafood industry. The platform connects suppliers directly with retailers, restaurants, and other businesses, ensuring fresh, high-quality products with a streamlined supply chain. Its tech-driven approach has enabled it to optimize sourcing, logistics, and delivery, catering to a growing demand for fresh produce in India and beyond.
The company’s decision to go public comes at a time when India’s online food and grocery sector is witnessing rapid growth. With increasing consumer demand for convenience and quality, Captain Fresh is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The IPO funds are expected to bolster its operational capabilities, including investments in cold chain logistics, AI-driven demand forecasting, and expanding its supplier network.
IPO Details and Market Implications
Captain Fresh’s IPO is anticipated to include a fresh issue of shares alongside a potential offer-for-sale (OFS) by existing investors. While the exact size and structure of the IPO are yet to be finalized, the $350–400 million target reflects the company’s confidence in its growth trajectory and market potential. The confidential filing with SEBI allows Captain Fresh to refine its plans privately before making a public announcement, a strategy increasingly adopted by startups to gauge market interest.
The IPO is likely to attract significant attention from investors, given Captain Fresh’s strong fundamentals and the booming demand for online food platforms. The company has already secured backing from prominent investors such as Accel, Matrix Partners, and Tiger Global, underscoring its credibility in the startup ecosystem.
What’s Next for Captain Fresh?
As Captain Fresh prepares for its public debut, industry analysts are optimistic about its growth prospects. The company’s focus on technology-driven solutions and its ability to address supply chain inefficiencies have set it apart in a crowded market. With the IPO proceeds, Captain Fresh aims to accelerate its expansion plans, potentially entering new geographies and diversifying its product offerings.The offering is expected to include about $200 million worth of new shares, which could value the company at over $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The filing comes soon after Captain Fresh converted into a public limited entity.
This filing marks a pivotal moment for Captain Fresh as it transitions from a fast-growing startup to a publicly traded company. The move is expected to not only fuel its growth but also set a benchmark for other Indian startups in the agritech and foodtech sectors eyeing the public markets.
Stay tuned for updates on Captain Fresh’s IPO journey and its impact on India’s startup ecosystem.