Why Are Indian Startups On an ESOP Buyback Spree
Entrepreneur magazine|May 2021
Benefits of liquidity events like ESOP buybacks are not limited to employees, there is value for companies too
Shipra Singh
Why Are Indian Startups On an ESOP Buyback Spree

Among the many things that kept the Indian startup ecosystem in headlines in the last one year is ESOP buybacks. Startups across sectors are on a ESOP or employee stock ownership program buyback spree at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted bottom lines for some startups while led to unprecedented growth for others. While ESOPs found their way into compensation packages offered by new-age tech startups several years ago, opportunities for employees to realise their actual value started mushrooming only recently with companies giving them a chance to liquidate their holdings through buyback events. The trend was kicked off by e-commerce giant Flipkart in 2018 when the company announced a 100 per cent buyback of vested ESOPs. Since then, close to 23 startups have facilitated buyback programs, with some having carried multiple rounds. Of these, maximum buybacks have happened in the last one year since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak (see: The Indian Startups ESOP Splurge). Was the timing intentional? Entrepreneur India spoke to startups to find out.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ESOPS FOR COMPANIES

Esta historia es de la edición May 2021 de Entrepreneur magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2021 de Entrepreneur magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINEVer todo
Chords of Success
Entrepreneur magazine

Chords of Success

For Saahil Goel, the deep-rooted passion for playing the guitar dates back to his high school days. Influenced by legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Pakistani band Strings, his musical journey mirrors his leadership style-balancing focus, discipline, and a collaborative spirit. Goel feels that playing guitar has enhanced his ability to balance focus and teamwork as a founder of an eCommerce shipping start-up.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
IS YOUR RENT TOO DAMN HIGH?
Entrepreneur magazine

IS YOUR RENT TOO DAMN HIGH?

Many small business owners struggle with their rents. Here's what to do.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW

A one-star review can hurt your ego - and your business. But it's possible to prevent (and remedy!) this scary scenario.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE

Small businesses are struggling to find quality labor. So flip the conversation: Show workers how your business will set them up for opportunity.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
You Can Hire Like Netflix
Entrepreneur magazine

You Can Hire Like Netflix

The streaming platform built an incredible team with a strategy called “talent density.” But you don’t need to be a tech giant to do it.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
Speedy Growth Killed My Startup
Entrepreneur magazine

Speedy Growth Killed My Startup

We seemed to be rocking it - lots of press, major partnerships. Then we learned the harsh consequences of overlooking our customers.

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
Three Pivots to $100 Million
Entrepreneur magazine

Three Pivots to $100 Million

How do you find a working business model? Do it like Rowan-a brand that reinvented itself many times before finally piercing the ear-piercing market.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
What Goals Actually Matter?
Entrepreneur magazine

What Goals Actually Matter?

Some benchmarks are more important than others so what should you really care about? We asked six founders for their hardest-won lessons.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
'Only the Strongest Are Going to Survive'
Entrepreneur magazine

'Only the Strongest Are Going to Survive'

Brian Lee cofounded companies like LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle-and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Sure, it's harder to raise capital. But it's actually cheaper than ever to start a company.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TRUST SAVED KFC
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TRUST SAVED KFC

The former CEO of Yum! Brands explains how he turned around a struggling KFC-and the important lesson it offers for anyone in franchising.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
December 2024 - January 2025