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ESOPs Aren't Monopoly Money, Here's Why | Satish Mugulavalli (Hissa)

Founder Thesis · 2025-03-28 · 1h 38m

Episode notes

"ESOPs aren't lottery tickets; they're a calculated risk with a potential for real wealth creation." This seemingly simple statement from Satish Mugulavalli, Founder and Managing Partner of Hissa, encapsulates the core message of this episode: shifting the perception of ESOPs from "paper money" to a strategic tool for both companies and employees. We unpack the often-confusing world of ESOPs, going beyond the jargon to reveal the real-world mechanics and benefits. Satish Mugulavalli is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hissa, a platform revolutionizing private market transactions in India. Hissa facilitates ESOP liquidity for employees and provides access to growth-stage private companies for investors. Satish is building a 150Cr fund with a 150 Cr greenshoe option. They have already closed 30 crores in their first round. The platform has generated over 5Cr in revenue till date. Key Insights from the Conversation: Discounts are Normal: Understand why ESOP transactions often happen at a discount to the last valuation, and why it's not necessarily a red flag.

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