SoftBank’s investment arm trims holdings through open market transactions; Ola Electric continues expansion in the EV market.
SoftBank has sold a 2 percent stake in Ola Electric Mobility Ltd, lowering its shareholding in the company to 15.68 percent. The transaction was executed through open market deals between July 15 and September 2, 2025, according to a regulatory filing with the BSE and NSE.
The investment arm of the Japanese group, SVF II Ostrich (DE) LLC, disposed of 94.9 million equity shares during the period. The divestment crossed the 2 percent disclosure threshold required under the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) takeover regulations.
Before the sale, SoftBank held 786.6 million shares, equivalent to 17.83 percent of Ola Electric’s paid-up capital. Post-sale, its holding stands at 691.6 million shares, or 15.68 percent.
Context of the Transaction
The development comes just nine months after Ola Electric’s debut on Indian stock exchanges in December 2024. The IPO positioned the Bhavish Aggarwal-led company as one of India’s most closely tracked new-age listed firms in the electric vehicle sector.
Despite the partial exit, SoftBank remains one of the largest institutional shareholders in Ola Electric. The group has been an early supporter, investing across several funding rounds prior to the IPO. Even after the stake reduction, its continued holding underscores sustained institutional interest in the company.
The timing of the sale reflects a common trend among global investors who gradually rebalance portfolios following significant IPOs. Analysts note that such divestments do not necessarily signal reduced confidence but rather portfolio optimization and liquidity management by large funds.
Ola Electric’s Growth Plans
Meanwhile, Ola Electric continues to push aggressively into India’s growing EV market. The company is expanding its scooter portfolio and preparing to enter the electric motorcycle segment. Additionally, it is scaling up its Gigafactory project in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to play a crucial role in securing battery supply and advancing India’s EV ecosystem.
Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has positioned Ola Electric as a front-runner in the country’s clean mobility transition. The company’s strategy combines product diversification with large-scale manufacturing, aiming to capture both domestic demand and potential export opportunities.
Industry observers point out that Ola Electric’s performance will be closely monitored in the coming quarters as it navigates competition, scaling challenges, and evolving regulatory frameworks. For SoftBank, retaining a sizable stake ensures it remains exposed to the company’s long-term growth trajectory while realizing some liquidity through the recent sale.
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