Univest completes first ESOP buyback worth Rs 1.61 crore

Univest, a broking platform established in 2022, has concluded its first Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback. Valued at Rs 1.61 crore, the program enabled early employees to liquidate a portion of their ESOPs, offering financial returns based on their equity holdings.

The startup said the initiative was aimed to reward employees who contributed during its foundational years, particularly those across product, technology, marketing, and customer support. Employees participating in the scheme had joined during Univest’s seed and pre-Series A stages.

According to the founding team, the buyback is intended to align long-term incentives with the company’s growth trajectory. The development follows the introduction of Univest’s ESOP policy in late 2024 and is positioned as part of a broader strategy to retain skilled talent in the fintech sector.

Pranit Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, noted that the decision to offer early liquidity was based on recognizing the role of employee ownership in shaping organizational stability. Other co-founders echoed the importance of acknowledging contributions beyond salaries and bonuses, especially in areas like engineering and product development, where innovation cycles are fast-paced.

Univest has indicated plans to explore future buyback opportunities in line with upcoming fundraising events. The startup currently operates out of Delhi NCR and offers a technology-enabled trading and investment platform with a focus on research-backed tools for retail investors.