Knowledge Centre / Before you start
What is the right time for me to raise funds?
Is this the right time, and the right route?
Usually when the numbers are strong and still rising, the records are in order, and the company has a clear use for the money. Raising when you do not urgently need capital gives you time and room to negotiate.
Eligibility rules matter too, and they can change.
Proposed, October 2026
SEBI has proposed raising the SME eligibility bar to an average operating profit of Rs 3 crore a year over three years, from Rs 1 crore in two of the last three years today.
More on Before you start
- Is my company actually suitable for an IPO?
- Why raise money through an IPO instead of a loan?
- How should I prepare before meeting a merchant banker, and what should I ask?
- What is the difference between the SME platform and the Main Board?
- Can a company of my size raise money through an SME IPO?
- My operating profit is below the SME test today. Is there any point talking?
All 40 questionsIPO reviewsHow the preparation works
General information, not legal or investment advice. Rules as at 2 November 2026.
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