Perfios, a leading SaaS-based B2B fintech firm, has introduced a significant employee stock option plan (ESOP) named “Perfios Employee Stock Option Plan 2025-A.” The plan is worth INR 645 crore (approximately $76 million) and aims to reward employees while aligning their interests with the company’s long-term growth. The regulatory filings accessed from the Registrar of Companies reveal that Perfios’ board has approved 2,05,764 employee stock options under this scheme. Each option will be converted into equity shares over a four-year vesting period.
The new ESOP plan reflects Perfios’ commitment to employee welfare while positioning itself for further expansion. The company has demonstrated consistent growth, raising INR 3,644 crore across multiple funding rounds, including an INR 662 crore ($80 million) investment from Kedaara Capital in March 2024. This funding helped Perfios achieve unicorn status, becoming India’s second unicorn of 2024.
Perfios has been on an acquisition spree, recently acquiring fraud detection platform CustomerXPS and previously acquiring Karza Technologies for INR 600 crore in March 2022. The company provides financial institutions with automated customer onboarding, revenue analysis, fraud checks, and verification services. With operations in 18 countries and serving over 1,200 institutions, Perfios continues to expand its global footprint.
The company has also reported impressive financial performance, with revenue surging 37% year-on-year to INR 558 crore in FY24 from INR 407 crore in FY23. Additionally, its profit skyrocketed 9.2X to INR 72 crore. The introduction of this ESOP scheme further solidifies Perfios’ position as an employee-centric and growth-oriented fintech leader in India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
1. Perfios: Working Model, Revenue Model, and Funding Background
1.1 Perfios operates as a SaaS-based B2B fintech company, offering data analytics-driven financial services solutions to banks, NBFCs, and other financial institutions. The company specializes in automated customer onboarding, credit assessment, fraud detection, and revenue analysis across lending and wealth management verticals.
1.2 The company generates revenue primarily through subscription-based services and enterprise solutions. Its revenue model includes licensing fees, API-based usage charges, and customized enterprise solutions tailored to financial institutions.
2.3 Perfios has raised INR 3,644 crore across multiple funding rounds. The most recent funding came from Kedaara Capital in March 2024, with an investment of INR 662 crore ($80 million). This funding round pushed the company’s valuation beyond $1 billion, making it the second unicorn of 2024 in India.
2. Perfios’ New ESOP Plan 2025-A: A Strategic Move
2.1 The Perfios ESOP Plan 2025-A includes 2,05,764 employee stock options. Each option will be converted into equity shares, with a vesting period of four years.
2.2 The valuation of this ESOP plan is estimated at INR 645 crore ($76 million), reflecting Perfios’ focus on talent retention and motivation.
2.3 By offering substantial ESOPs, Perfios aims to strengthen employee engagement and attract top-tier talent in the competitive fintech industry.
3. Acquisitions and Expansion Strategy
3.1 Perfios has actively pursued acquisitions to expand its capabilities. It acquired fraud detection platform CustomerXPS in an undisclosed deal recently and previously bought fintech startup Karza Technologies for INR 600 crore in March 2022.
3.2 With operations in 18 countries and over 1,200 institutional clients, Perfios continues to expand its global footprint, leveraging AI and big data for enhanced financial services.
4. Financial Performance and Growth
4.1 Perfios’ revenue grew by 37% year-on-year, reaching INR 558 crore in FY24 from INR 407 crore in FY23.
4.2 The company’s profits surged 9.2X, reaching INR 72 crore in FY24, highlighting its strong financial standing and operational efficiency.
5. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
5.1 Employee-Centric Growth: Offering ESOPs can help startups retain top talent and align employee interests with long-term business goals.
5.2 Strategic Acquisitions: Expansion through acquisitions, like Perfios acquiring Karza Technologies and CustomerXPS, strengthens market presence and enhances service capabilities.
5.3 Revenue Diversification: SaaS-based fintech firms can achieve sustainable growth by diversifying revenue streams through subscription-based and API-driven models.
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