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Tag: Flipkart

  • Flipkart Unveils Million ESOP Liquidity Program

    Flipkart Unveils $50 Million ESOP Liquidity Program



    Flipkart Employee Stock Option Plan Liquidity Opportunity


    Flipkart Employee Stock Option Plan Liquidity Opportunity

    Flipkart has unveiled a new chance for liquidity through its Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP), as shared in an internal memo from the chief executive officer, Kalyan Krishnamurthy. This initiative allows eligible employees to sell up to 5% of their vested ESOPs starting from July 5, 2025, at a buyback price set at $174.32 per option. Employees can expect payouts to be made in August 2025 under the Flipkart Stock Option Plan 2012.

    Details of the ESOP Buyback

    According to an ET report, the total buyback size for the ESOP is estimated at $50 million, potentially benefiting between 7,000 to 7,500 employees. Currently, Flipkart holds a valuation of approximately $36 billion.

    Future Liquidity Options

    Krishnamurthy mentioned that if essential performance metrics are achieved by the end of 2025, there could be another 5% liquidity opportunity available in early 2026. A Flipkart spokesperson has corroborated this development to Startup Superb.

    Previous Achievements and Future Prospects

    This announcement comes on the heels of Flipkart’s record-breaking $700 million payout to employees in 2023, marking one of the most significant ESOP buyback events in the history of Indian startups. Media reports further suggest that the company is preparing to launch its IPO with a valuation between $60 and $70 billion. In addition, the board has sanctioned the transition of its holding structure from Singapore to India.

    Market Trends in ESOP Liquidity

    In 2025, a number of startups including Darwinbox, Rapido, Univest, Deserve, and Even Healthcare have introduced ESOP buyback and liquidity initiatives totaling around $67 million. In 2024, more than 20 startups executed a total of $200 million in such programs. Data from various sources indicates that the total ESOP buyback or liquidity amount reached $802 million in 2023, $440 million in 2021, and $200 million in 2022.



  • Flipkart Secures Additional 2 Million Backing from Singapore Parent Company

    Flipkart Secures Additional $262 Million Backing from Singapore Parent Company



    Flipkart Internet Secures $262 Million in Funding

    Flipkart Internet Secures $262 Million in Funding

    Flipkart Internet, the marketplace division of Walmart, has successfully secured $262 million (Rs 2,225 crore) in internal funding from its parent company situated in Singapore.

    Funding Overview

    This recent financial infusion follows closely on the heels of Flipkart Internet’s earlier funding of $382 million received from the same Singapore-based entity nearly two months prior. The company’s board has approved the allocation of equity shares valued at Rs 2,225 crore to Flipkart Marketplace Private Limited (Singapore), as evidenced by multiple filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

    Myntra’s Financial Support

    During this period, Flipkart’s fashion platform, Myntra India, also acquired $125 million from FK Myntra Holdings, a subsidiary of their Singapore-based parent.

    Plans for an IPO

    According to media sources, the firm is gearing up to launch its IPO with a projected valuation ranging between $60 billion and $70 billion. Additionally, Flipkart is in the process of moving its Domicile from Singapore back to India, following in the footsteps of other companies like Pine Labs, Zepto, Meesho, and Razorpay that have relocated their headquarters to their home country.

    Ownership Structure

    Data from various startup intelligence platforms indicates that Walmart holds an 85% stake in Flipkart Internet, which also encompasses its affiliates PhonePe and Myntra. Other notable shareholders include Tencent, CPP Investments, GIC, SoftBank, and Microsoft. Presently, Flipkart boasts a valuation of $36 billion.

    Financial Performance

    For the fiscal year ending in 2024, Flipkart reported a 20% increase in operating revenue, amounting to Rs 17,907 crore. Additionally, the company managed to reduce its losses by over 41%, bringing losses down to Rs 2,359 crore during the same time frame.


  • Flipkart Unveils Million ESOP Liquidity Program

    Flipkart’s Board Greenlights Move from Singapore to India: A New Chapter Unfolds


    Flipkart Shifts Domicile from Singapore to India

    E-commerce marketplace Flipkart has reportedly secured its board’s approval to move its domicile from Singapore back to India. As a subsidiary of Walmart, Flipkart will be part of a growing list of firms that have either completed or are currently in the process of relocating to India.

    According to a report by ET, the decision to return its domicile to India was sanctioned by Flipkart’s board during a meeting conducted last week in Singapore. Although Flipkart has not publicly commented on the board’s approval, it has expressed its intent to shift its holding company from Singapore to India.

    “This strategic decision reflects our deep and unwavering commitment to India and its remarkable growth,” stated a spokesperson for Flipkart. “We are motivated by the Government of India’s robust vision and proactive initiatives, which cultivate a dynamic business environment and simplify operations, shaping our journey significantly. This transition signifies a natural progression, aligning our holding structure with our fundamental operations, the immense potential of the Indian economy, and our ability to leverage technology and innovation to promote digital transformation in India.”

    The spokesperson further commented, “As a company rooted in India, this change will enhance our focus and agility in addressing the needs of our customers, sellers, partners, and communities while contributing to India’s expanding digital economy and fostering entrepreneurship.”

    Additionally, the board of Flipkart Internet (India) has passed a resolution to capitalise its securities premium up to Rs 26,552 crore for the distribution of bonus shares to Flipkart (Singapore), Flipkart (Marketplace), and Quickroutes International, as stated in a regulatory filing obtained from the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

    Since May 2023, Flipkart has been preparing for this transition of its holding company back to India. The company is anticipated to launch its IPO by late 2025 or early 2026.

    Last valued at $33 billion after raising $600 million from existing investors in December 2023, Flipkart previously secured $3.6 billion led by SoftBank in July 2021, at a valuation of $37.6 billion, which was later adjusted to $33 billion following its separation from PhonePe.

    Various companies, including PhonePe, Zepto, Dream11, and Groww, have successfully completed their domicile shifts back to India. Furthermore, numerous other firms, such as Meesho, Razorpay, Pine Labs, Eruditus, Livspace, Mensa, and KreditBee, are waiting for final clearances to execute their transitions.

  • Unicorn Premier League Set to Make a Splash in Its Third Season in 2025

    Unicorn Premier League Set to Make a Splash in Its Third Season in 2025


    Unicorn Premier League Set for Thrilling Third Edition in 2025

    The Unicorn Premier League (UPL) is gearing up for its highly anticipated third edition, scheduled for May-June 2025 in Gurugram. This remarkable event continues to provide an exceptional platform for India’s leading startups to display their competitive spirit—with an exciting twist—on the cricket pitch.

    In this edition, the UPL promises to deliver even more thrilling action, featuring 20 of the nation’s elite unicorns, soonicorns, and growth-stage startups competing for the prestigious title along with a substantial cash prize. The tournament unites startup founders and their teams, including participants from top unicorns like Moglix, boAt, Oyo, Pine Labs, and Snapdeal, allowing them to engage in the sport while taking a break from their business roles. An audience of over 5,000 is expected to join the festivities, representing more than 100 startups. Previous winners of the UPL include MakeMyTrip and Zerodha.

    Exciting Matches and Special Awards

    Fans can anticipate a series of electrifying matchups, with each team composed of a diverse lineup of players, inclusive of women. Beyond the championship title, several special awards will be presented, such as Player of the Tournament, the Orange Cap for the best batter, the Purple Cap for the best bowler, and various other accolades.

    Building a Vibrant Community

    The UPL has evolved into a dynamic community event, attracting interest not only for the cricketing action but also for the valuable networking opportunities and visibility it provides for startups. With major partners like BeatXP, Bellavita, Cannarma, and Medusa, the third edition is poised to uphold the UPL’s legacy of enjoyment, competition, and teamwork.

    This year promises to be an exciting showcase as India’s unicorns step off the boardroom and onto the cricket field to reveal their competitive spirit.

    For additional details, please visit the official website of the Unicorn Premier League.

  • Flipkart Secures 2 Million Investment from Parent Company

    Flipkart Secures $382 Million Investment from Parent Company


    Flipkart Secures Significant Internal Funding

    Flipkart, the marketplace segment of Walmart-backed Flipkart Internet, has successfully obtained Rs 3,249 crore (around $382 million) in internal funding from its parent company located in Singapore. Earlier in April 2024, the firm had raised Rs 1,421 crore from the same parent entity.

    The Flipkart board has issued 470,773 equity shares at an issue price of Rs 69,014.7 each through a rights issue to garner Rs 3,249 crore from Flipkart Marketplace Private Limited in Singapore, as indicated in its regulatory filing accessed from the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

    In May of last year, Flipkart secured a funding round of $350 million from Google, achieving a valuation of $36 billion.

    Data from various startup intelligence platforms show that Walmart holds the largest share in the e-commerce giant, with an 85% stake. This is followed by Tencent and other minority investors like CPP Investments, GIC, SoftBank, and Microsoft.

    Beyond its core horizontal e-commerce offerings, Flipkart has ventured into the quick commerce sector with Minutes, which promises deliveries within 10-15 minutes, aiming to compete with companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart.

    For the fiscal year ending 2024, Flipkart reported a 20% increase in operating revenue, reaching Rs 17,907 crore, while significantly lowering losses by over 41% to Rs 2,359 crore during the same timeframe.

  • Flipkart Pulls the Plug on ANS Commerce: What This Means for the E-commerce Landscape

    Flipkart Pulls the Plug on ANS Commerce: What This Means for the E-commerce Landscape


    Flipkart to Close ANS Commerce: A Significant Move in E-commerce

    Flipkart has announced the closure of ANS Commerce, its full-stack e-commerce enabler, three years after its acquisition of the Gurugram-based company, as per sources familiar with the situation told Startup Superb. A source, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that “Flipkart has made the decision to shut down ANS Commerce and has laid off a number of employees associated with it.”

    In a confirmation to Startup Superb, a spokesperson for Flipkart remarked, “After thorough evaluation, it has been decided that ANS Commerce, a full-stack e-commerce enabler acquired in 2022, will cease its operations. As we gradually wind down, our commitment remains strong towards ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders, which includes employees and clients.”

    The spokesperson further added, “To reduce the impact on employees during this transition, we intend to provide internal job opportunities at Flipkart, options for outplacement services, and severance packages.”

    About ANS Commerce

    Founded by Amit Monga, Vibhor Sahare, Sushant Puri, and Nakul Singh, ANS Commerce operates as a complete e-commerce enabler offering services that include store technology, performance marketing, marketplace management, e-commerce warehousing, and fulfillment. The organisation has collaborated with over 100 brands, including names such as Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, HUL, Piramal, Lakme, Nivea, Oziva, CEAT, and Bikanervala.

    ANS Commerce secured $2.2 million during its pre-Series A funding round, led by Gokul Rajaram and Venture Catalysts back in October 2021. Sources indicated that the acquisition of ANS Commerce occurred in a deal valued between Rs 250-300 crore ($35-40 million) three years prior. Startup Superb was the first to report on this acquisition at that time.

    Current Status

    This story is still developing…

  • Flipkart’s New Adventure: Entering the World of Astrology with InstaAstro!

    Flipkart’s New Adventure: Entering the World of Astrology with InstaAstro!

    Flipkart Explores the Astrology and Spirituality Market with Potential InstaAstro Acquisition

    E-commerce giant Flipkart is currently exploring the possibility of entering the astrology and spiritual marketplace by potentially acquiring InstaAstro. The growing interest and significant investments in startups within this sector over the past year indicate a notable shift towards consolidation in this evolving industry.

    A source, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that InstaAstro has been actively seeking buyers, with Flipkart positioned as a leading candidate for the acquisition. The Walmart-backed company is reportedly contemplating a purchase amount between $18 million and $25 million, which would include both cash and shares.

    InstaAstro has attracted prominent investors such as Artha Venture Fund, LogX Ventures, Singularity Ventures, and Blume Founders Fund, as well as Ramakant Sharma’s LogX Ventures. The startup has raised around Rs 21.7 crore ($2.6 million) across two funding rounds since its inception in 2021.

    There are indications that Flipkart might consider rebranding AstroTalk as “Sukh” following the acquisition.

    Founded by Nitin Verma, InstaAstro offers a variety of services such as horoscopes, tarot readings, and numerology, available in English, Hindi, and several regional languages. Following its recent funding, the company expanded its offerings to include spiritual e-commerce products, daily pooja services, and reiki healing.

    Another anonymous source mentioned that Flipkart previously engaged in discussions with several startups in the astrology and spirituality domain, though those negotiations did not materialise.

    As of the latest update, there was no response to inquiries submitted to Flipkart and InstaAstro on Wednesday evening.

    InstaAstro’s operational revenue nearly doubled to Rs 25 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 12.96 crore in FY23. However, reports indicate that the company’s losses also increased, reaching Rs 8.11 crore from Rs 4.26 crore in FY23. Various sources suggest that InstaAstro maintains an average revenue run rate (ARR) of Rs 50-60 crore.

    InstaAstro competes with several players in the market, including GaneshaSpeaks, AstroTalk, Click Astro, and Bodhi. Notably, AstroTalk distinguishes itself with both substantial investment and profitability. Under the leadership of Puneet Gupta, AstroTalk reported a revenue of Rs 651.12 crore in FY24, with profits approaching Rs 100 crore, and is targeting Rs 1,250 crore in revenue for FY25.

    Data from various sources reveals that startups within the astrology and spiritual technology landscape, such as AstroTalk, Vama, Ustav App, DevDham, InstaAstro, and Melooha, have collectively secured over $65 million in investments in the past 18 months. The sector has also witnessed consolidation, exemplified by BrahmVeda’s acquisition of Vedvaani and Melooha’s purchase of Munitalks.