Reverse flipping all set for 'homecoming' rush

However, regulatory hurdles, high costs & tax timelines likely to pose challenges

- S SHANTHI

The reverse flip trend, which involves startups relocating their headquarters back to India from abroad, is poised to gain significant traction in 2025. Industry experts estimate that 10-12 startups will either complete the process or near its completion in the coming year. This follows the footsteps of notable names like PhonePe, Flipkart, Groww, Razorpay, Meesho, and Zepto, which have already undertaken or initiated reverse flips.

Following this initial cohort, analysts predict a broader wave, with as many as 75-100 startups likely to announce plans to reverse flip. "Around 80% of all flipped startups wish to return to India, but hurdles such as unclear timelines and regulatory permissions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are delaying decisions," said Siddarth Pai, founding partner and CFO at 3one4 Capital.