WinZO concludes 4th ESOP buyback

Online gaming startup Winzo has announced the completion of its fourth round of employee stock options plan (ESOP) liquidation. 

This initiative allows eligible employees, approximately 30% of WinZO’s workforce, comprising team members with at least two years of tenure, to liquidate their vested ESOPs. 

In the last 12 months, the company has filed more than 25 technology patents across the world for its supercomputing technology, real-time communication innovation, and AI applications in content creation. 

Established in 2018, Winzo offers over 100 games across categories such as strategy, sports, casual, card, arcade, racing, action, and board games.

Previously, WinZO conducted three rounds of ESOP liquidation in 2021 and 2023. With a team of 200 members, WinZO has raised $100 million in cumulative funding from leading investors, including Griffin Gaming Partners, Maker’s Fund, Courtside Ventures, and Kalaari Capital.

According to data intelligence platform, TheKredible, Winzo’s revenue from operations surged to Rs 674 crore in FY23 from Rs 234 crore in FY22. Similar to every online gaming platform, Winzo spent a major chunk (46% of its total expenditure) on marketing (advertising cum promotions). This cost surged 29.6% to Rs 258 crore in FY23.

Recently, Whatfix rolled out a $58 million liquidity program for its employees and investors. In the ongoing calendar year, Swiggy, Urban Company, MyGate, Classplus, Meesho, The Sleep Company, XYXX,  Purplle, Dehaaat, Leverage Edu, Pocket FM and Adda247 bought back ESOPs from their employees.