- Temple has launched an ESOP liquidity programme for early employees, valuing the company at $375 million, nearly double its February valuation of $190 million.
- The liquidity event values the company at $375 million, significantly higher than the $190 million valuation at which it raised its seed round earlier this year.
- According to an internal note reviewed by Moneycontrol, around 20 employees from Temple's workforce of roughly 200-220 people will be eligible to sell up to 25% of their vested ESOPs under the programme.
- In a memo, Goyal stated that the company was receiving strong inbound interest from investors at a higher valuation.
- "We are seeing strong interest from external investors at a $500 million valuation. Before we close our next round, I want some of this value to reach the people who created it," Goyal wrote to employees.
- "We are offering all eligible employees the option to sell up to 25 percent of their vested ESOPs at a $375 million valuation. This is completely optional," Goyal said.
- The $375 million valuation is nearly double Temple's valuation five months ago, but it is still 25% below the $500 million valuation that has attracted strong interest from external investors.
- Filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) showed founder Deepinder Goyal owns about 28 percent of the company, while employees collectively have a stake of around 10 percent through ESOPs.
Deepinder Goyal's Temple has achieved a remarkable valuation of $375 million, nearly doubling from its previous $190 million in February 2026.12678
The company is launching an ESOP liquidity program allowing around 20 of its 200-220 employees to sell up to 25% of their vested ESOPs.3
"We are seeing strong interest from external investors at a $500 million valuation," Goyal stated in a memo, emphasizing the need to share this value with employees who contributed to the company's growth.5
The liquidity event is a strategic move ahead of the next funding round, which is expected to attract significant investment.
"We are offering all eligible employees the option to sell up to 25 percent of their vested ESOPs at a $375 million valuation -- this is completely optional," Goyal added.
Despite the impressive valuation, it remains 25% below the anticipated $500 million valuation that has garnered strong interest from potential investors.
Goyal, who owns about 28% of Temple, aims to ensure that employees, who collectively hold around 10% through ESOPs, benefit from the company's success.
This initiative reflects Temple's commitment to its workforce while navigating a competitive investment landscape.
“Around 20 of Temple's 200-220 employees will be eligible to sell up to 25% of their vested ESOPs under the new programme. Goyal noted that the company is attracting strong interest from investors at a $500 million valuation, indicating potential for further growth.”
Storyboard18
