Gozoop’s Ahmed Aftab Naqvi pens heartfelt note as YAAP Digital makes stock market debut

Gozoop’s Global CEO & Co-founder Ahmed Aftab Naqvi penned a heartfelt note, sharing an emotional reflection on the journey that began nearly 17 years ago. Naqvi recalled how, in December 2008, he had sent an email introducing his “young and innovative web marketing agency” not to investors or clients, but to his grandfather. The message, he said, was simply to tell him that he had started something of his own.

Naqvi remembered his grandfather who embodied values of leadership, courage, and commitment to the nation. Reflecting on those values, Naqvi said they shaped many of his decisions over the years, including choosing not to sell the Gozoop Group to foreign networks despite lucrative offers. Instead, the company chose to remain independent and build partnerships with Indian founders such as Dr Atul Hegde to create a homegrown global advertising network.

As YAAP Digital made its stock market debut today, Naqvi said the moment reminded him of that first email and the belief his grandfather had shown in him.

Here's the LinkedIn post:

The IPO is a fresh issue of shares, which means the money raised will go directly to the company. According to its red herring prospectus, Rs 34 crore will be used for part payment towards the proposed acquisition of GoZoop Online Private Limited. Around Rs 4.01 crore will be used to set up an AI-led short-form content production hub. Another Rs 16 crore will go towards working capital requirements. The remaining funds will be used for future acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

YAAP Digital makes stock market debut.

The YAAP and GoZoop transaction will involve a mix of equity and cash and is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals. Once completed, the merged entity will be led by YAAP. Together, the two companies aim to combine their strengths in performance media, customer experience, creative services, influencer and creator marketing, analytics and technology solutions. The goal is to offer brands end-to-end services across paid, owned and earned media.