Core Insights - Startups are increasing salaries, bonuses, and employee stock options (Esops) to attract talent from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), but face challenges in securing top candidates as hiring shifts towards quality over quantity amid AI-driven productivity [1][20] Group 1: Competitive Landscape - Venture-backed startups like Razorpay, Fractal Analytics, Battery Smart, OYO, Navi, Meesho, and SpeakX are competing aggressively with tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia for top engineering talent [2] - Startups are now sharing prime hiring slots with established firms and high-frequency trading companies, indicating a more assertive approach in recruitment [3] Group 2: Compensation Packages - Navi, co-founded by Flipkart's Sachin Bansal, is offering salaries between ₹38.2-45.2 lakh, along with bonuses and Esops [4] - Razorpay is expected to offer around ₹20 lakh in compensation, a ₹3 lakh joining bonus, and ₹20 lakh in Esops with a four-year vesting period [6] - Battery Smart is offering a total compensation of ₹25 lakh, including performance and joining bonuses, and Esops worth ₹7 lakh [11] Group 3: Hiring Trends and Challenges - SpeakX, despite offering competitive compensation, struggled to secure top candidates, indicating a preference among IIT students for established firms [7][8] - Interest in early-stage startups is reportedly higher at National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) compared to IITs, suggesting differing risk appetites [9][20] Group 4: IPO Influence - The impending IPOs of companies like Razorpay, Fractal, OYO Rooms, and Meesho are being leveraged as incentives to attract talent, making their Esops appealing for quick wealth creation [20] - Companies are focusing on a well-rounded compensation package that includes fixed salary, performance-based incentives, and long-term value through Esops to attract top talent [13] Group 5: Student Preferences - Students are increasingly viewing Esops as a form of ownership in the company, although they need to understand the terms clearly, as many startup Esops require employees to buy shares before exercising them [17] - The trend indicates a growing interest in Esops among students, which is becoming a significant factor in their job choices [16]