The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has drawn in Rs 770 crore through some of the most reputable investors in India and the emerging generation of brokerages. It is a breakthrough moment for NCDEX, which has largely remained a commodities-based exchange, but is now planning to venture into the equities and equity derivatives segment by 2026, following in-principle authorisation by SEBI.
Diverse Participation in the Funding Round
The funding round was a unique collection of both experienced investors and fintech founders. Radhakishan Damani, the founder of DMart and a legendary Indian markets billionaire, invested 20.26 crore in a 1.41% stake. Ramesh Damani and fund manager Madhu Kela each contributed 0.85 % of 15 crores, and renowned investor Sunil Singhania contributed the same. Among the platforms, Groww contributed the most by investing 50 crore in a 2.82 % stake, and Zerodha invested 17 crore in 0.96 %. The stock had been floated at 197.34 each in a preferential issue.
Strategic Shift Towards Equities and Derivatives
What is exciting about this development is not only the amount of money that will be raised, but the message it conveys. Trading in agricultural commodities since time immemorial, NCDEX is now preparing to enter the fray with the giants of the equity markets, NSE and BSE. Such growth demands enormous investment in technology, compliance, and market infrastructure, which the new money will finance. The mix of both old school market players and new brokerage systems demonstrates a calculated approach: a combination of authority, market knowledge, and online access.
The New Direction Of NCDEX
The new direction of NCDEX is already gaining confidence with investors. The NCDEX Unlisted stock shot up 14-25 per cent following the announcement and is currently listed at approximately 415-475, which is significantly higher than the price in the preferential issue. This surge is attributed to growing confidence in NCDEX’s ability to implement its ambitious strategies and capture a share of the rapidly expanding Indian equity market.
Every supporter has something to offer. Radhakishan Damani also brings unparalleled credibility through his creation of DMart and reputation as a strict investor. Ramesh Damani and Madhu Kela are stock market veterans with decades of experience and institutional knowledge. His track record reassures investors in Sunil Singhania. Groww and Zerodha, meanwhile, symbolise the digital revolution, and their platforms cater to millions of retail investors, precisely the audience NCDEX will be interested in reaching in equities.
Disrupting The Indian Markets
Simply put, the Rs 770 crore raised by NCDEX is not just a capital injection, but a declaration of faith by the most esteemed market stakeholders in India. As SEBI gives it the green light and 2026 acts as the launchpad, NCDEX is poised to disrupt the equity market and offer investors a new option in the Indian financial market.