Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications, has allocated over 4 lakh equity shares to employees under its Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOP), following board approval on 7 November 2024. This strategic move is part of Paytm’s broader initiative to motivate and retain its workforce, increasing the company’s issued equity capital to INR 63.71 crore.
Expanding on its ESOP scheme has become a regular feature for Paytm, with the company having granted an additional 4.81 lakh stock options to employees in October alone, reinforcing its commitment to rewarding performance and fostering loyalty within its team. The ESOP allocation aligns with a recent 4.5 per cent rise in Paytm’s stock price, adding value to the new share allotments and enhancing their appeal as a long-term incentive.
The timing of this ESOP increase coincides with recent leadership changes, including the departure of Shreyas Srinivasan as Chief Product Officer. Additionally, Paytm’s ticketing platform, Insider.in, was acquired by Zomato, marking another significant shift for the company.
Across India’s startup ecosystem, ESOPs are becoming increasingly important in talent retention, with companies such as Delhivery, Zaggle, and Nykaa also issuing stock options to retain top performers. This proactive approach by Paytm highlights its commitment to employee empowerment and long-term growth.
Alongside this initiative, Paytm has recently introduced a new feature in its app, enabling users to download UPI transaction statements directly. This enhancement supports easier expense tracking and tax filing, reinforcing Paytm’s dedication to improving user experience.