StockGro, a Bengaluru-based fintech platform founded by Ajay Lakhotia, has demonstrated its dedication to employee growth and satisfaction through two significant Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) buyouts in the last two years. These buyouts enabled employees to monetize their vested shares, with payouts exceeding $2 million.

Participation rates for these buyouts were under 60%, showing that while many employees chose immediate financial benefits, others preferred to hold onto their options for potential future rewards, reflecting confidence in StockGro’s growth trajectory.

Founded in 2020, StockGro offers a unique social investment platform aimed at demystifying trading and investments. By providing an interactive, virtual platform, it caters to a broad spectrum of users, making investing accessible and engaging.

This year, StockGro raised ₹205 crore ($25 million) in a debt funding round with prominent investors such as Trifecta Ventures and Hindustan Media Ventures, emphasizing its robust financial standing.

StockGro is part of a growing movement among Indian startups using ESOP buyouts as a tool for talent retention and rewards. According to TheKredible, over 20 startups in India have conducted buyback or payout programs worth $200 million in 2024 alone. Companies like HealthKart and Now Purchase have also announced ESOP buyouts worth ₹55 crore ($6.5 million) and undisclosed amounts, respectively, reflecting an industry-wide focus on employee incentives.

Operating with a compact team of 70, StockGro has managed to deliver substantial employee rewards, signaling its commitment to maintaining a supportive work environment. The company’s repeated ESOP buyouts not only reinforce its status as a promising fintech player but also set a benchmark for how startups can effectively engage and reward their workforce.

Credit: This article is based on information from The Economic Times, YourStory, and TheKredible.

Key Highlights:

1. StockGro has executed two ESOP buyouts in two years, disbursing over $2 million to its employees.
2. Less than 60% of eligible employees participated in these buyouts, while others retained their options for potential future gains.
3. Founded in 2020, StockGro is a social investment platform focused on educating users about trading.
4. With a team of 70 members, StockGro’s employee-centric policies underline its strong financial health and commitment to talent retention.