In a major pre-IPO funding round, US-based private equity firm General Atlantic has invested $600 million in PhonePe, the Walmart-owned digital payments and fintech platform. The latest capital infusion has doubled General Atlantic’s stake in the company from 4.4% to 9%, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move comes as PhonePe gears up for its highly anticipated $1.35 billion initial public offering (IPO), marking one of the largest public listings in India’s fintech sector.

Funding Aimed at ESOP Tax Obligations

The funding round is largely secondary in nature, which means the money is not directly going into the company’s operations but will instead help employees meet their tax obligations related to Employee Stock Options (ESOPs).

When employees exercise their ESOPs — converting them into shares — they are liable to pay taxes on the notional gains. This round ensures that employees have sufficient liquidity to fulfil those tax obligations before the company’s IPO.

According to the people cited, none of PhonePe’s founders or existing investors have sold their holdings in this transaction. The structure of the deal highlights General Atlantic’s continued faith in the company’s fundamentals and its intent to strengthen its position in one of India’s leading fintech platforms.

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General Atlantic’s Total Investment Rises to $1.15 Billion

With the latest $600 million investment, General Atlantic’s total investment in PhonePe now stands at $1.15 billion since 2023. This makes the firm one of the most prominent global investors in the company, reinforcing its confidence in the fintech’s growth potential and market dominance.

General Atlantic, known for backing high-growth companies globally, has been steadily increasing its exposure to India’s digital and fintech space. Its continued support for PhonePe suggests a strong belief in the company’s ability to lead in digital payments, financial services, and online commerce as India’s fintech market expands.

PhonePe’s IPO Preparations Gain Momentum

The fresh investment comes as PhonePe accelerates preparations for its $1.35 billion IPO, expected to be one of the most closely watched public offerings in India’s tech ecosystem.

The company, which was carved out from Flipkart following Walmart’s acquisition, has emerged as a major player in India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem. It commands a significant share of the market and has diversified into multiple financial services, including mutual funds, insurance, and credit products.

This funding round also signals the beginning of pre-IPO financial restructuring, which often includes secondary share sales, ESOP liquidity events, and stake consolidations. It aligns with PhonePe’s broader plan to streamline its shareholder base and prepare for listing on Indian stock exchanges.

A Vote of Confidence in India’s Fintech Sector

The latest investment underscores growing global investor confidence in India’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. For General Atlantic, the move not only increases its exposure to one of India’s top fintech firms but also positions it to benefit from the upcoming public listing.

Industry observers view the $600 million infusion as a strategic pre-IPO move, ensuring that PhonePe’s key stakeholders — especially employees — are financially ready for the listing process.

PhonePe’s strong growth trajectory, expanding digital ecosystem, and consistent investor backing have positioned it as a frontrunner in India’s fintech IPO wave. With General Atlantic’s latest investment, the company is now well-placed to enter the next phase of its public journey.

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