GenAI-powered English learning platform SpeakX.ai has rolled out a $1 million ESOP buyback program benefiting 15 employees — a rare move in early-stage Indian startups. With a 10-year ESOP validity, ownership transparency, and fresh funding support, the company is pushing toward rapid scale and profitability targets.
The startup’s new ESOP policy is structured around performance-based equity, tenure-linked rewards, buyback eligibility, and a transparent ownership model. SpeakX aims to ensure that early employees who contribute to the company’s growth can build long-term wealth through equity.
While building the ownership model, the company prioritized three major pillars:
Performance-Based ESOP Allocation
Tenure-Based Equity Rewards
Early Buyback Opportunities & Transparent Ownership
The ESOP structure is not limited to senior executives — it is available across multiple teams, making it a rare and inclusive model for an early-stage Indian startup.
SpeakX facilitated ESOP buyback worth $1 million for 15 employees, offering early liquidity — a rarity for companies at this scale. Key highlights:
Early financial rewards for internal talent
Opportunity to convert ESOP into real money
Encourages long-term commitment
Boosts employee retention & motivation
Such liquidity events are usually seen during late-stage funding, pre-IPO, or acquisition phases, making SpeakX’s move unique.
SpeakX currently has 20 team members, who collectively own 6% of the company’s total equity. This level of transparency and inclusive ownership at an early stage is exceptional in the Indian startup ecosystem. It aligns employee success directly with company growth.
SpeakX has granted ESOPs with a 10-year vesting and validity period, giving employees enough time to maximize their equity value. Benefits include:
Long-term wealth creation
More time for buyback opportunities
Appreciation potential with upcoming funding rounds
Co-founder Arpit Mittal stated that ESOPs at SpeakX are not restricted to individual performance metrics alone. They also consider:
Attitude & work ethic
Teamwork & collaboration
Long-term commitment
Contribution to company culture
This makes the ESOP approach significantly different from conventional corporate allocation models.
SpeakX.ai offers an AI-led English learning experience with natural conversation-like interactions. Core product features include:
AI Tutor & Real-time feedback
Speech correction
Interview simulation practice
Vernacular-to-English conversion
Practical vocabulary & learning modules
Learners spend an average of 15 minutes per session on the platform.
Recently, SpeakX raised $16 million in its Pre-Series B round, strengthening product development and valuation.
₹100 crore annual EBITDA by 2026
Business valuation of $300–$400 million in next 2–3 years
Stronger AI capabilities & new product categories
Conclusion
SpeakX.ai has proven that the strength of a startup lies not just in its product or funding, but in its people. With a $1 million ESOP buyback, transparent ownership model, and rapid GenAI-led growth, the company is positioning itself as a game-changer in India’s talent ecosystem. This approach is likely to influence many emerging startups in the coming years.