SaaS unicorn Darwinbox completes Rs 86 Cr ESOP buyback
In March, Hyderabad SaaS firm Darwinbox raised $140 million in a funding round co-led by Partners Group and KKR, with additional support from Gravity Holdings.
HR tech unicorn on Tuesday said it has completed a Rs 86 crore Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback, benefiting over 350 employees across its 11 offices in India, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
This is the company’s third buyback in four years, it said in a statement.
“At Darwinbox, we’ve always believed that those who help build value should share in it. Even as we invest deeply in innovation and global growth, we remain equally committed to creating meaningful outcomes for our people. This buyback, like the ones before, reflects our belief in sharing success with our people and building a culture of ownership,” said Jayant Paleti, Co-founder, Darwinbox.
In March, the Hyderabad SaaS firm raised $140 million in a funding round co-led by Partners Group and KKR, with additional support from Gravity Holdings.
“Talent has always been at the heart of what we do at Darwinbox, and we’ve been intentional about ensuring they grow with the company—not just in impact, but also in wealth creation. Some of the best minds from the industry have joined us to help shape the future of work. As we double down on R&D to power an AI-first world, we’re excited to welcome great talent on this journey,” added Chaitanya Peddi, Co-founder at Darwinbox.
Darwinbox became the first Human Capital Management (HCM) platform globally to launch a Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, allowing any compatible AI agent to access HR data and workflows securely.
Its GenAI engine, Darwinbox Sense, offers over 40 embedded AI capabilities and enhanced user experiences. Over the past year, the firm has also rolled out a multi-country payroll solution across 10 new geographies, strengthening its ability to support complex global enterprises.
Currently, the company serves over four million employees across more than 1,000 enterprises. Some of its clientele include Starbucks, McDonald’s, AXA, Cigna, WeWork, Airtel, and Vedanta.
Founded in 2015, Darwinbox enhances talent management through employee experiences and cutting-edge AI technology. Its cloud-based HCM software addresses HR needs throughout the entire employee lifecycle.
The firm has been backed by global investors such as TCV, Microsoft, Salesforce Ventures, Peak XV, Lightspeed, and Endiya Partners, among others.
Edited by Suman Singh