Walmart-Backed Flipkart Launches Generous Buyback Ahead of IPO
In a major move toward rewarding employee contributions and boosting morale ahead of its anticipated 2026 IPO, Walmart-backed e-commerce giant Flipkart has unveiled a $50 million employee stock buyback scheme. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 7,000 to 7,500 employees across the company.
The buyback is part of the Flipkart Stock Option Plan 2012 and allows eligible employees to liquidate up to 5% of their vested employee stock options (ESOPs) acquired between July 6, 2022, and July 5, 2025. The buyback price has been set at $174.32 per option.
According to an internal note from Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the buyback is discretionary and payouts will be made in August 2025. To qualify, employees must remain with the company through July 5, 2025.
Krishnamurthy also hinted that a second buyback opportunity may follow in early 2026, contingent on company performance. “If Flipkart achieves its internal performance targets by the end of the year, a second 5% ESOP liquidity event may be announced,” he said.
This move comes as Flipkart accelerates preparations for its public listing, which is expected to take place sometime in 2026. The buyback plan not only provides liquidity to long-term employees but also reinforces Flipkart’s commitment to building wealth for its workforce.
Since its acquisition by Walmart in 2018, Flipkart has conducted several large-scale buybacks, distributing over $1.5 billion to its employees. The latest initiative adds to that legacy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s employee-first culture.
Flipkart’s IPO is anticipated to value the company between $60 to $70 billion. The company’s continued investment in employee equity schemes could play a critical role in retaining talent and strengthening internal confidence as it heads toward a public offering.
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