Question 1

What is ESOP management software?

Accepted Answer

ESOP management software helps Indian startups design equity plans, issue grants, automate vesting schedules, handle Ind AS 102 compliance, and give employees live visibility into their equity. Hissa is India's leading ESOP management platform used by 200+ companies.

Question 2

What is a cap table and why do startups need cap table software?

Accepted Answer

A cap table (capitalisation table) records all shareholders, share classes, ESOPs, and ownership percentages. Cap table software like Hissa keeps it live, accurate, and fundraise-ready - avoiding the errors that compound across spreadsheets and delay due diligence.

Question 3

How does ESOP liquidity work for Indian employees?

Accepted Answer

The Hissa Liquidity Fund (SEBI AIF Category II, $35M corpus) buys vested employee shares at board-approved fair value - no IPO or M&A event required. Employees receive cash in T+5 days. There is zero balance sheet impact for the company.

Question 4

What is Ind AS 102 compliance for ESOPs?

Accepted Answer

Ind AS 102 (Share-based Payment) is the Indian accounting standard requiring companies to expense ESOPs at fair value. Hissa automates Black-Scholes valuation, vesting charge calculations, and quarterly disclosures - saving finance teams hours each reporting period.

Question 5

What is the SEBI AIF Category II fund from Hissa?

Accepted Answer

The Hissa Fund is a SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) Category II with a $35M corpus. It invests in pre-IPO Indian startup equity by acquiring vested employee shares, offering liquidity to employees of growth-stage startups without requiring a company exit event.

AIF Registration Details