Flipkart Unveils $50M ESOP Buyback for Employees

Walmart-owned Flipkart has announced a $50 million employee stock buyback plan, enabling about 7,000 to 7,500 active employees to sell up to 5% of their vested stock options at $174.32 per option, with payouts expected in August 2025. CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy indicated that a second 5% ESOP liquidity event could occur in early 2026 if performance targets are met by the end of 2025. This move is part of Flipkart’s broader strategy to reward and retain employees as it prepares for a potential IPO in the next 12 to 15 months, targeting a valuation between $60 billion and $70 billion. The initiative comes amid intensifying competition from rivals such as Amazon and emerging quick-commerce firms. Flipkart previously conducted a $700 million ESOP buyback in 2023, establishing its reputation as a major wealth creator in India’s tech sector. The current buyback underscores the company’s confidence and commitment to its workforce.