DECENTRO Launches Employee Shareholding Program Amidst Rapid Growth
DECENTRO, the fast-growing banking and data buyout platform, has announced its inaugural Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP). This significant milestone highlights the achievement of the five-year fintech startup, which currently handles over ₹45,000 crores in annual payment volumes.
A Proud Moment for DECENTRO’s Founders
“This announcement is more than just a financial gesture; it is a testament to the faith that our initial team placed in our vision during our early startup days,” stated Rohit Taneja, co-founder and CEO of DECENTRO. This ESOP program allows team members who joined around 2020 to liquidate up to half of their stock options at valuations that promise 3X to 10X returns on the original exercise prices.
Taneja shared insights from his previous startup journey, emphasizing the challenges faced during the bootstrap phase. “Having worked without a salary and navigating cash flow issues, I truly understand the leap of faith our first employees took. This program symbolizes our way of recognizing their commitment while providing liquidity during crucial stages of our growth.”
Supporting Employee Contributions with Liquidity
This ESOP initiative follows closely on the heels of DECENTRO’s successful Series B funding round, raising ₹30 crores under the guidance of InfoEdge Ventures. This positions DECENTRO in a select group of Indian fintechs that provide liquidity options for long-term employees, honoring their substantial contributions to the company’s journey.
As DECENTRO continues to scale, the backing from investors and the supportive corporate culture fosters an environment where employee welfare is prioritized. This strategic decision showcases the startup’s commitment to building a strong, loyal team while achieving sustainable growth in the fintech landscape.
The Future of Fintech in India
The launch of DECENTRO’s ESOP comes at a pivotal time for India’s fintech ecosystem, which has witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years. With a clientele exceeding 1,600 business customers, including banks, insurers, and e-commerce platforms, DECENTRO’s impressive annual payment volume underscores the evolving landscape of financial services in India.
As the company aims to further enhance its market presence, it is also planning to shift its parent entity from Singapore back to India within the next year. This strategic move highlights DECENTRO’s unwavering commitment to the Indian market and its trust in the local regulatory framework for fintech companies.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
DECENTRO’s ESOP positions the startup alongside prominent names in the Indian fintech space, such as Razorpay and Paytm, which have implemented similar employee liquidity programs. These initiatives are increasingly recognized as hallmarks of mature companies that value their workforce and prioritize long-term value creation.
The flexibility provided by the ESOP, allowing employees to choose between immediate liquidity and future potential, speaks volumes about DECENTRO’s confidence in its growth trajectory. As Taneja aptly put it, “Fintech empowerment through infrastructure has been our guiding principle since day one. This program is about rewarding loyalty while motivating our team for the exponential growth ahead.”