Line Man Wongnai Eyes Stock Market Debut in 2025

Line Man Wongnai, Thailand's leading food delivery app, is setting its sights on a grand entrance on the stock market. The company is seriously considering an initial public offering (IPO) in either Thailand or the United States by 2025, according to Yod Chinsupakul, the CEO and co-founder, in a recent interview.

While a final decision on the location hasn't been made, Chinsupakul didn't rule out the possibility of a dual listing, meaning shares would be available for trading on both a Thai exchange and a U.S. exchange. This move would allow Line Man Wongnai to tap into a wider pool of investors and potentially raise more capital.

This potential IPO comes on the heels of impressive growth for the company. Line Man Wongnai boasts a strong backing from major players, including Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, Z Holdings (a joint venture between SoftBank and Naver, a South Korean internet giant), and BRV Asia. This backing has fueled the company's rise, with total funding surpassing $372 million and a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

However, Chinsupakul emphasizes that their focus remains on running the business smoothly and making necessary adjustments before the potential IPO. "We are prioritizing continued business execution and restructuring," he said. This means ensuring efficient operations and making any necessary changes to their internal structure to prepare for the demands of being a publicly traded company. Additionally, Line Man Wongnai will be carefully evaluating their financial needs and exploring various fundraising options beyond just the IPO.

What is an IPO?

An IPO, or initial public offering, is essentially a company's first time selling shares of ownership to the public. This allows the company to raise a significant amount of money to fund future growth, research, and development. Investors who buy these shares become part owners of the company and have the potential to profit if the company's stock price increases.

Why is Line Man Wongnai Considering an IPO?

There are several reasons why Line Man Wongnai might be considering an IPO. One reason is to raise capital for further expansion. The company might want to invest in new technologies, develop new services, or expand into new markets. An IPO would provide the funding needed to make these ambitious plans a reality.

Another reason for an IPO could be to increase brand awareness and establish Line Man Wongnai as a major player in the on-demand delivery industry. Becoming a publicly traded company would put the company in the spotlight and attract more attention from investors, customers, and potential partners.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Line Man Wongnai's potential IPO is a significant development for the company and the Thai tech scene in general. A successful listing would be a major milestone for the company and could pave the way for other Thai startups to follow suit. It would also be a sign of confidence in the Thai economy and its potential for fostering successful technology companies.

Whether Line Man Wongnai chooses Thailand, the U.S., or both for its IPO, one thing is clear: the company is poised for continued growth and is setting its sights on becoming a major force in the global on-demand delivery market.