Launched in 2012, the BSE SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) Platform provides a unique opportunity for small and mid-sized businesses to raise funds directly from the public through the stock market. It acts as a stepping stone for SMEs to get listed, access capital, and eventually graduate to the main board of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Over 586 companies have already been listed, and nearly one-third have transitioned to the main board. The platform has collectively helped raise more than ₹18 trillion, reflecting the growing investor confidence in India’s SME ecosystem.
The BSE SME Platform is a dedicated segment of the Bombay Stock Exchange designed for small and medium enterprises to raise capital by issuing shares to the public. It helps SMEs become more transparent and integrated into formal financial markets.
It was launched to simplify access to capital markets for smaller businesses, promote financial transparency, and enable SMEs to transition from informal business structures to formal, organized growth models.
Since 2012, over 580 companies have listed on the platform. Combined with the NSE Emerge platform, more than 1,200 companies have raised nearly ₹27,000 crore. Remarkably, about one-third of these have successfully migrated to the main exchange after achieving growth and profitability milestones.
The platform primarily benefits family-owned businesses and companies that find it difficult to access loans or venture capital funding. Through public listing, these enterprises gain visibility, credibility, and long-term investors.
The SME platform encourages entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation. With over 73 million MSMEs contributing around 30% of India’s GDP and 40% of exports, enabling easier access to funds strengthens the backbone of India’s economy.
Investor interest has surged significantly. The average number of applications for SME IPOs grew from just 297 per IPO in 2020 to more than 1.8 lakh per IPO in 2024, highlighting the growing trust and enthusiasm among retail and institutional investors.
In 2023, around 240 SME IPOs raised more than ₹8,000 crore. By mid-2025, over 102 IPOs had already raised approximately ₹4,326 crore, underscoring the platform’s strong growth momentum.
Yes. With the rise in investor participation, there are concerns about potential market manipulation and overvaluation. Experts have urged regulators to strengthen oversight to protect small investors and maintain market integrity.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and stock exchanges have tightened listing norms, IPO regulations, and post-listing surveillance mechanisms. These measures ensure that only credible and financially sound companies get listed on the platform.
Mature SMEs looking for growth capital or international expansion prefer equity over debt financing. The BSE SME Platform provides an organized, transparent, and efficient mechanism to raise funds while enhancing brand value and investor trust.
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