Startups swap cash bonus for stock sops as crunch deepens
Mint Mumbai|February 17, 2023
Startups are pivoting from cash bonuses to stock options and other long-term incentives to retain talent as they look to extend their runway amid a tight fundraising market.
Beena Parmar & Devina Sengupta
Startups swap cash bonus for stock sops as crunch deepens

The balance sheets of many edtech, software and fintech startups remain strained even after multiple rounds of layoffs to save costs. While some startups are shifting to restricted stock units (RSUS), others are increasing targets and asking their leaders to forgo incentives. "One consumer media internet firm we work with, which witnessed some layoffs, has also made their sales incentives tougher and less achievable. Two SaaS unicorns we are working closely with, while they had been circumspect in hiring, one of them has not paid any bonuses to leadership team but have retained some bonus for other employees," said Harold D'Souza, co-founder and director at search firm Walk Water Talent Advisors.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT MUMBAIView all
Mint Mumbai

Viksit Bharat needs big plans and coordinated action

Let's transform manufacturing and agriculture, decarbonize the economy and unleash growth led by women

time-read
3 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Indonesia will need to tread a fine line after T rump's return
Mint Mumbai

Indonesia will need to tread a fine line after T rump's return

Jez/farms relations with China mustn,t send out the wrong signals

time-read
3 mins  |
November 19, 2024
What if Donald Trump keeps his promises on economic policy?
Mint Mumbai

What if Donald Trump keeps his promises on economic policy?

The 2024 US election is one of those rare instances where there is palpable fem that the winner will actually follow through

time-read
3 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Mint Mumbai

The Indian state is still to fully unshackle our economy

Economic success needs the state to function as an enlightened referee and be less statist

time-read
3 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Mint Mumbai

Let's tackle the harsh realities of mental health at the workplace

Ensure an inclusive work environment with policies of reasonable accommodation and support

time-read
3 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Hypersonic weapons in the age of A!: Be careful
Mint Mumbai

Hypersonic weapons in the age of A!: Be careful

Indias hypersonic missile marks a leap and updates its nuclear deterrence. But dangers lurk in the global race for these speedy and sneaky weapons, wit/z AI -use posing new risks

time-read
2 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Mint Mumbai

How working abroad gives young Indians a wealth edge back home

Working overseas gives them the advantage to earn in stronger currencies and benefit from exchange rates

time-read
5 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Mint Mumbai

FALLING MARKETS ARE JUST WHAT YOU NEED: HERE'S WHY

For some of you, a market downturn may be an ideal time for a complete financial reset

time-read
2 mins  |
November 19, 2024
Mint Mumbai

Remitting foreign fund: Tax implication for NRI

I will be moving back to India in FY25. Do I need to bring the money I earned abroad with me? If yes, will it be taxed? If no, what will be the tax implications in India in the future?

time-read
1 min  |
November 19, 2024
BOREDOM: THE INVISIBLE CAUSE OF RISING ATTRITION
Mint Mumbai

BOREDOM: THE INVISIBLE CAUSE OF RISING ATTRITION

They deliver on the job, but many employees are just going through the motions with one eye on the exits

time-read
8 mins  |
November 19, 2024