CarDekho is an online auto marketplace where buyers research new and used cars, compare prices and connect with dealers. Its parent company is Girnar Software, based in Jaipur.
CarDekho in brief
- Launched: 2008
- Founders: Amit Jain and Anurag Jain
- Parent: Girnar Software
- Related business: InsuranceDekho, preparing its own IPO
- Listed: Not yet
What the group does
- New and used car research, listings and leads for dealers
- Used-car buying and selling
- Auto loans and other financial services
- Insurance through InsuranceDekho
IPO plans
Reports in mid-2026 said CarDekho was preparing an IPO of about ₹3,000–3,500 crore, mostly an offer for sale, at a target valuation of around ₹13,000–15,000 crore. That would be higher than the roughly ₹9,000 crore value at its last private round. A filing had not been confirmed in the reports we found; check SEBI’s website for the draft prospectus.
What readers ask
Who owns CarDekho? Its founders Amit and Anurag Jain and investors, through Girnar Software.
Is CarDekho listed? Not yet.
Is InsuranceDekho part of CarDekho? It is part of the same group and plans its own IPO.
How CarDekho makes money
- Advertising and leads: car makers and dealers pay to reach buyers who are researching.
- Used cars: buying and selling services, and listings.
- Financial services: car loans and insurance through partners.
- Group brands: sites such as Gaadi, ZigWheels and BikeDekho widen its reach.
Why auto-tech is hard
Cars are bought rarely, so customers do not return often. This makes acquiring each buyer costly. Used cars add more difficulty, because every vehicle is different, and inspection, financing and delivery need strong operations. Many companies in this space burned large sums of money in the race for growth.
Why the market remains attractive
India’s car ownership is still low compared with many countries, the used car market is growing, and more people research online before buying. Electric vehicles are also adding new questions for buyers, which helps research platforms.
Competition
CarDekho competes with other online auto marketplaces, used car platforms and dealers. Its main strength is its large audience of people at the research stage.
What other founders can learn
- Start with information, then add transactions once you have trust.
- In low-frequency categories, income from finance and insurance can matter a lot.
Frequently asked questions
What does Girnar mean here?
Girnar Software is CarDekho’s parent company, based in Jaipur.
Is it listed?
Check the latest filings for the IPO status.
Questions to think about
- Will used-car platforms change how Indians buy their first car?
- Should investors prefer IPOs with more fresh capital over offers for sale?
Sources: Inc42, Outlook Business and other reports. Not investment advice.
