Graphisads Eyes Digital & OOH Expansion Post SME IPO Listing
Graphisads took the IPO route late last year and was able to list successfully on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) SME board. Even as the journey has just begun for the company, its Chairman and Managing Director, Mukesh Gupta notes that the move has significantly elevated its brand presence in the advertising and outdoor media sector. “Graphisads is among the few NSE-listed advertising companies. With substantial projects underway, our market image is gaining recognition nationally, and being listed on the NSE has attracted shareholders and investors eager to collaborate with us. With nearly five decades of rich experience in advertising and marketing, we've strengthened our position,” he says.
Why The SME Board
Mukesh Gupta explains that when it comes to fundraising, SMEs in India have limited options. Bank loans require collateral and unsecured loans through friends and family come at a huge premium. “Advertising as a sector doesn’t attract private equity or venture capitalist money. The government recently launched the SME IPO option for companies that have a steady track record and wish to grow at a good scale. Our credentials were strong enough to get all approvals and we were fortunate enough to get this opportunity. We endeavour to work for our clients and shareholders and provide them with value, as always,” says the senior industry veteran.
Consolidation and Growth
In 2024, Graphisads’ primary focus is on investing in digital media, expanding its audio-video production and organising on-ground initiatives in both the government and private sectors. The company also aims to further enhance its main strength, which is, outdoor media ownership. “We have recently acquired digital outdoor assets in Kanpur and Varanasi. Currently, we have a digital outdoor network of 600 screens across North India. We aim to take this past 1000 soon,” says Alok Gupta, Director, Graphisads.
He informs that the company has also acquired the long-term rights for NCUI Auditorium & Convention Centre in South Delhi. “It is a premier area which can host events for up to 600 people. This offers a new business opportunity for us to enter and consolidate. At the same time, we shall soon be setting up Event IPRs (intellectual property rights) with a focus to monetise them over the long-term,” Alok Gupta adds.
Eyeing Inorganic Growth
Graphisads plans to collaborate and enter joint ventures as well. The objective is to strengthen its 360-degree presence in advertising with outdoor, digital, events, exhibitions and mainstream media in the mix. The company shall soon also be setting up Graphisads Media Growth labs, wherein it is in talks to partner with a startup fund and focus on “accelebrating” (accelerating and celebrating) media startups.
The Graphisads’ leadership team reiterates that it will continue to work with the intent of keeping its clients at the core of its services, and “offer more” in this new avatar.
