StockGro, a dynamic platform for trading and investment education, has successfully completed two Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) buyouts between 2023 and 2024. These initiatives were designed to provide employees the opportunity to monetize their vested shares.
The company extended participation to all eligible employees, with less than 60% opting to sell their shares, while the remainder chose to retain them for long-term value appreciation. Through these buyouts, StockGro distributed over $2 million among its 70-member team. In the latest round, the company acquired 100% of the vested shares offered by participants.
Founded in 2020 by ex-venture capitalist Ajay Lakhotia, StockGro serves as a social investment platform, offering users an engaging virtual environment to explore and learn about stock market dynamics.
Earlier this year, StockGro secured Rs 205 crore ($25 million) in a debt round from Trifecta Ventures and Hindustan Media Ventures across two tranches.
In a broader trend, several startups, including NowPurchase and HealthKart, have rolled out their first ESOP buybacks this year. According to data from TheKredible, over 20 startups have collectively facilitated ESOP liquidity and payout programs valued at approximately $200 million in 2024.
This growing momentum underscores the increasing focus on employee-centric policies within the startup ecosystem.
4o