Flipkart Rolls Out $50 Million Esop Buyback for 7,500 Employees

In a strategic move ahead of its anticipated initial public offering (IPO), Walmart-owned ecommerce major Flipkart has announced a $50 million employee stock buyback plan. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 7,000 to 7,500 employees, giving them a liquidity window as the company gears up for future growth.

Flipkart Launches $50 Million Esop Buyback Program

Flipkart Buyback Details: Who is Eligible?

Employees Can Liquidate 5% of Vested Options at $174.32

According to a communication sent by Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, all active employees as of July 5, 2025, will be eligible to sell up to 5% of the stock options vested since July 6, 2022.

“All active employees as of July 5 can liquidate up to 5% of their outstanding options vested since July 6, 2022,” Krishnamurthy wrote in a note to employees.

The buyback price is set at $174.32 per option, with payouts expected in August 2025.

Krishnamurthy further added:

“If the company achieves its key goals committed to the board by year-end, it could offer another 5% Esop buyback early next year.”

Flipkart, which currently has around 22,000 employees, was last valued at $35 billion.

Flipkart’s Legacy of Esop Wealth Creation

$1.5 Billion in Buybacks Since 2018

This is not the company’s first major Esop initiative. In 2023, Flipkart conducted its largest-ever employee stock buyback worth $700 million, surpassing its 2018 Esop program of $500 million when it was acquired by Walmart.

Overall, the company has facilitated over $1.5 billion worth of Esop buybacks across various rounds since 2018, making it one of the largest wealth creators in India’s internet economy.

Timing: Buyback Before Big Billion Days & Amidst Talent Churn

Retention Strategy as Quick Commerce Grows

The buyback announcement precedes Flipkart’s annual mega-sale event, The Big Billion Days, usually held in October, which contributes significantly to its yearly revenue.

“Our core businesses are performing well, and quick commerce continues to scale at an unprecedented pace…,” wrote Krishnamurthy.

Flipkart’s quick commerce arm, Minutes, is projected to expand to 800 dark stores by year-end.

This buyback also comes amid increasing attrition among senior and mid-level staff, many of whom have moved to rivals in the quick commerce sector. Esops continue to serve as a key retention tool in such competitive environments.

“Let’s always remember that in an industry as dynamic and competitive as ours, past successes are a foundation for future achievements. The opportunities in our country are immense,” Krishnamurthy added.

Flipkart’s IPO on the Horizon

Flipkart is reportedly planning to file for an IPO in 2026, and this buyback serves to boost employee morale and offer liquidity as it heads into this critical phase.

Industry-Wide Trend: Other Startups Follow Suit

Several new-age startups have also launched Esop buybacks in the past year, including:

• Darwinbox (SaaS)

• Urban Company (IPO-bound)

• Meesho (Ecommerce)

• Classplus & Adda247 (Edtech)

• Even Healthcare (Healthtech)

• Mygate (Society Management App)

Conclusion: Flipkart Reinforces Employee-Centric Growth Ahead of IPO

Flipkart’s latest $50 million Esop buyback program is not just a gesture of appreciation but a strategic move to retain top talent, boost morale, and prepare for its public listing journey.

As one of the most employee-friendly firms in India’s tech ecosystem, Flipkart continues to set benchmarks in wealth creation, corporate governance, and business agility.

With another possible buyback on the horizon and expanding operations in quick commerce, the ecommerce giant is charting a well-calculated course towards its IPO, empowering employees to be part of its growth story.