Singapore

AS THE war for tech talent in South-east Asia intensifies, startups are starting to implement employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) at earlier stages as a way of retaining staff. The phenomenon has spurred the emergence of a new pocket industry in corporate services - including the management of such equity plans - for startups.

Several ESOP management platforms, including Svested and Qapita, have sprouted up to cater to rising demand. Bigger players such as Carta and MyStartupEquity from the US and India are expanding their operations to the region. Even traditional players like corporate services firm Boardroom want in on the action.