Japanese investment giant SoftBank has off‑loaded a 2.6% stake in Indian eyewear startup Lenskart, selling 45 million shares for roughly ₹2,888 crore. The bulk transaction was brokered by Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs and Motilal Oswal.

  • SoftBank sold 45 million Lenskart shares worth ₹2,888 crore.
  • The stake represented 2.6% of Lenskart’s equity.
  • Transaction handled by Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs and Motilal Oswal.

SoftBank Group Corp. off‑loaded its 2.6% holding in Indian eyewear platform Lenskart, amounting to 45 million shares and valued at approximately ₹2,888 crore. The block deal was recorded on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The deal’s lead managers were Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs and Motilal Oswal, which coordinated the sale and ensured regulatory compliance.

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Founded in 2010, Lenskart has expanded to over 700 stores across India and now boasts a valuation exceeding $2.5 billion, positioning it as a dominant player in the country’s optical market.

This sale aligns with SoftBank’s broader strategy of monetising its Indian investments, following earlier exits from Paytm and OYO.

Analysts estimate SoftBank’s return on the Lenskart investment at roughly 5.7×, highlighting the financial success of the original stake.

Historical Background

SoftBank entered India in 2016, backing numerous tech‑startups and gradually reshaping its portfolio in response to regulatory changes and market dynamics.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that SoftBank’s exit could free up capital for newer high‑growth Indian ventures, while signaling confidence in the maturity of India’s startup ecosystem.

"SoftBank’s disciplined divestment underscores a shift towards profit‑realization rather than mere market presence," says market analyst Rohan Mehta.
Did You Know?: Lenskart opened its first international store in Singapore in 2022, marking the brand’s global expansion ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the sale affect Lenskart’s future funding plans?

A: Lenskart continues to attract both private and institutional investors, so its funding pipeline remains robust.

Q: How does SoftBank’s broader Indian exit strategy impact its overall portfolio?

A: The move provides SoftBank with liquidity to pursue new opportunities and reinforces a performance‑based investment outlook for Indian startups.