The travel fintech startup has announced a Rs 20 crore ESOP buyback, allowing eligible employees to unlock the value of their stock options.
The travel fintech startup has announced a Rs 20 crore ESOP buyback, allowing eligible employees to unlock the value of their vested stock options following its latest funding round.
Travel-focused fintech startup Scapia has announced an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) buyback worth Rs 20 crore, enabling eligible employees to sell up to 10% of their vested stock options.
The Bengaluru-based company has not disclosed the number of employees eligible to participate, the buyback price, whether former employees qualify, or the timeline for completing the programme.
Buyback Follows $63 Million Funding Round.
The ESOP buyback comes shortly after Scapia raised $63 million in a funding round announced in May 2026.
The round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from existing investors Peak XV Partners and Z47. Earlier, the company secured $40 million in its Series B funding round in April 2025.
With four disclosed funding rounds, Scapia has now raised a total of $135 million.
Focus Remains on Product Growth
Commenting on the announcement, founder and CEO Anil Goteti said the company’s long-term strategy remains unchanged.
“Our focus remains unchanged: building products that help our users travel and lead richer lives.”
Scapia said the fresh capital will support product expansion, strengthen its brand, and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence across its platform.
Building a Travel-First Fintech Platform
Founded in 2022 by former Flipkart executive Anil Goteti, Scapia combines travel booking services with co-branded credit cards issued in partnership with Federal Bank and BOBCARD.
Users earn Scapia Coins through eligible card spending, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, train tickets, bus bookings, visas, and travel experiences.
The company says its credit card products are now available across more than 17,500 pincodes in India.
Business Continues to Grow
According to the company, flight bookings on the platform increased five to six times year-on-year, while accommodation bookings grew eightfold.
Financially, Scapia also reported improved performance.
According to reports, the company’s operating revenue rose 71% to Rs 28.7 crore in the financial year ending March 2025, compared with Rs 16.8 crore a year earlier.
Its net loss narrowed to approximately Rs 83 crore, down from Rs 88 crore during the previous financial year.
ESOP Buyback Rewards Employees
ESOP buybacks allow employees to convert a portion of their stock options into cash before a company goes public or is acquired.
Such programmes are increasingly used by high-growth startups to reward long-term employees, improve retention, and provide liquidity while the company continues to scale.
Scapia’s latest buyback follows this broader trend, allowing eligible employees to realize part of the value created through the company’s recent growth and fundraising milestones.
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Scapia founder and CEO Anil Goteti
Photo: Indian Express
