Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal is reportedly planning to transfer the intellectual property (IP) rights of the Ola brand from ANI Technologies to a holding company controlled by his family office, raising concerns among investors about the potential impact on future earnings and strategic control.
Restructuring and Investor Concerns
ANI Technologies, the parent company of Ola Cabs, currently licenses the Ola brand to Ola Electric, earning royalties in return. Investors fear that shifting the brand IP out of ANI could deprive them of future revenue streams, particularly as ANI shareholders do not hold stakes in Ola Electric or Aggarwal’s AI startup, Krutrim.
Strategic Implications
The move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at unlocking greater value and operational agility across Aggarwal’s ventures. If successful, the transfer could give Aggarwal more flexibility to use the Ola brand across his businesses while consolidating control under his family office.
Ola’s IPO Plans and Financial Challenges
ANI Technologies has also initiated discussions with investment banks to evaluate a potential IPO for Ola Cabs. Meanwhile, Ola Electric faces financial hurdles, including slower-than-expected sales and a recent downgrade in its debt rating by ICRA, signaling the need for additional funding over the next 12–24 months.
Future Outlook
While the exact structure of the IP transfer remains unclear, investors are closely monitoring developments, particularly regarding board and regulatory approvals. The restructuring comes at a time when capital needs are growing across Aggarwal’s ventures, including Krutrim’s expansion into AI chip development.
Stay tuned for further updates on Ola’s restructuring and investor reactions.
