How to Track Upcoming Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)?

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) offer investors a good investment approach as they let others participate early in a firm’s expansion phase. Investors, both seasoned and retail, need to understand how they can track upcoming IPOs because this knowledge brings a significant market advantage. This article shows you how to track upcoming IPOs using the right tools and tips to help you decide if you’re ready to invest.

What Is an IPO?

IPO means Initial Public Offering. It’s when a private company sells its shares to the public for the first time to raise money. This helps the company raise money from regular investors. After the IPO, the company becomes a public company, and its shares are traded on the stock market. IPOs can help you grow your money, but only if you know how they work. Not all IPOs are good deals. That’s why it’s important to learn the basics first.

Why Should You Track Upcoming IPOs?

Investing in IPOs is not just about buying at the right time. You need to be well-prepared before you decide to invest. Investing early during an IPO provides you with sufficient time to investigate company fundamentals and several necessary steps that support your investment goals. Tracking IPOs helps you:

• Spot Early Investment Opportunities: Investors get the chance to start investing in promising companies at an early stage, as they begin their journey in the stock market.
• Understand Market Sentiment and Sector Trends: Helps identify which sectors are gaining traction and where investor interest is shifting.
• Make Informed Investment Decisions: The time before an IPO allows investors to study the company’s basics and review the DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus) to understand its value, helping them make smarter investment choices.
• Plan Finances for Allotment: Managing finances through proper planning will prepare you for an IPO subscription while meeting KYC requirements.

Top Ways to Track Upcoming IPOs

1. Stock Exchange Websites (BSE & NSE)

The most authentic source for IPO information in India is directly from the stock exchanges.

• NSE (National Stock Exchange): The NSE website provides a dedicated IPO section under its “Markets” tab where you can view live and upcoming IPOs, offer documents, and timelines.
• BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange): Like the NSE, BSE has a dedicated IPO section that shows the list of ongoing and upcoming IPOs along with detailed offer documents.

Important for serious investors, these websites offer official documents such as the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) and Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).

2. SEBI Website

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the IPO process. Its website lists all upcoming IPOs, including DRHP filings, approvals, and updates. You can visit www.sebi.gov.in and go to the “Filings” or “Public Issues” section to track the pipeline of IPO approvals.

Recommended Read: SEBI & other Authorities Circular

3. IPO Tracking Websites

Many financial websites like Chittorgarh.com or  IPO Central give regular updates on IPOs. They share useful details like company background, GMP trends, allotment dates, and how much the IPO is subscribed. These websites are easy to use and are made for everyday investors who want quick and simple updates to help them make better choices.

4. Financial News Portals

Mainstream financial media like Economic Times, LiveMint, CNBC TV18, and Business Standard regularly cover IPO announcements, expert opinions, and grey market activities.

Following these platforms can give you an idea of:

• Market mood and hype
• Analyst reviews
• Institutional investor interest (QIB, NII participation)
• Listing gain expectations

5. Brokerage Platforms

Most investment platforms have a special IPO section. Here, users can apply using UPI, get alerts for upcoming IPOs, and view simple summaries with live updates to help them decide quickly. These platforms make it easy to take part in IPOs and are perfect for beginners who want to avoid complicated terms.

6. Grey Market Premium (GMP) Trackers

While unofficial, GMP is often used by investors to gauge potential listing gains. GMP reflects the premium being paid for shares in the unofficial market before listing. Websites such as Chittorgarh and IPO Central provide updates on GMP, but it’s important to interpret this data cautiously, as GMP can be highly volatile and subject to manipulation.

7. Social Media and IPO Forums

LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit (like r/IndianStreetBets), and Telegram channels offer real-time updates and retail sentiment. While you should be cautious of rumours and hype, these platforms can help you sense the buzz around a particular IPO. Look for verified handles of brokerage houses or financial influencers for credible insights.

Recommended Read: How to Apply for IPO using UPI ID?

Key Things to Check While Tracking IPOs

Once you spot an upcoming IPO, here’s what to look at before deciding to invest:

• Company fundamentals: Before investing in an IPO, it’s important to understand the core of the company. Start by reading the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) or rely on trusted financial websites that offer simplified summaries. The DRHP outlines the company’s business model, key strengths, risk factors, revenue sources, and future plans.
• Sector performance: An IPO’s success is also linked to the industry or sector the company operates. Study the sector’s current status, whether it’s expanding, stable, or saturated.
• Valuation: Understanding how the company is valued at the time of the IPO is essential. This means comparing its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price-to-book (P/B) ratio, or other metrics with those of already listed peers in the same industry.
• Promoter history and credibility: The people behind the company matter as much as the business itself. Look into the promoters’ track record, including their leadership style, experience in the industry, and past ventures.
• Use of IPO proceeds: One of the most telling aspects of an IPO is how the company plans to use the money it raises. The DRHP clearly outlines this. Funds may be used for repaying debt, investing in research and development (R&D), expanding operations, or marketing.
• Financial health: Strong financials are the backbone of a sustainable business. Go through key financial metrics like revenue growth, profit margins, EBITDA, and net income trends over the past few years. Steady or improving financial performance reflects business resilience and profitability.
• Anchor investor participation: Anchor investors are large institutional investors who are invited to invest in the IPO before it opens to the public. Their participation is often seen as a vote of confidence.

Recommended Read: How to Apply for IPO using ASBA

Conclusion

Tracking upcoming IPOs doesn’t have to be complex. Start by bookmarking stock exchange websites, following reliable IPO portals, and setting alerts through your brokerage apps. Combine official data with news insights and investor discussions to form a well-rounded view.

However, it’s important to note that not all IPOs are worth investing in. Do your research before investing your money. IPO hype can be tempting, but understanding the company’s fundamentals and future potential is what truly makes the difference.