Eternal’s post-founder test begins as Deepinder Goyal steps back, analysts turn cautious
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Mumbai and Bengaluru: Eternal is entering its first major post-founder leadership test after Deepinder Goyal stepped down as chief executive officer, a move that has prompted caution among analysts about its impact on stock performance. Eternal’s shares, after touching a high of 7% in early trade, on the back of a good performance in the October-December quarter, slipped 2% to ₹278 apiece later in the day, even as the benchmark index Sensex rose 0.8%.
The parent company of food delivery platform Zomato and quick commerce service Blinkit, which went public in July 2021, announced on Wednesday that Goyal would step down as CEO and take up the role of vice chairman, starting 1 February. Albinder Singh Dhindsa will succeed Goyal as the CEO. The transition makes Goyal only the second founder and CEO of an internet startup that went public to relinquish his role from overseeing daily business operations.
Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham stepped aside as CEO in May 2024 to become chairman and exited the Nasdaq-listed firm in December last year. “This transition allows Eternal to remain sharply focused, while giving me the space to explore ideas that do not fit Eternal’s risk profile," said Goyal in his letter to shareholders. As of the end of December, Goyal owned 3.83% of Eternal, which has no promoter shareholding.
Over the last three years, more than three dozen technology and consumer-focused startups, including Ola Electric Mobility, Nykaa, Paytm and Swiggy, have gone public. However, not many have made money for investors. Unlike Freshworks, whose shares are down over 76.2% since going public, Goyal has made money for his investors: Eternal’s shares are up 125%.
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