Why we founded EquityPay

In the startup world, employee stock option plans (ESOPs) and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) have become fundamental tools to attract, motivate, and retain top talent. However, outside of tech and fast-scaling ventures, these benefits are rarely utilized. Traditional industries like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, despite being essential to our economy, lack access to modern equity management tools. EquityPay was born to change that.

A World Divided: Startups vs. Traditional Industries

In startups, ESOPs are a key part of compensation. Companies like Carta have built platforms that simplify stock management, ensuring employees understand and benefit from their equity. In contrast, traditional businesses have been left behind—often relying on outdated tools or no equity plans at all.

The numbers are telling: over 90% of Fortune 100 companies offer ESPP programs, while only a small fraction of traditional businesses adopt them. Research from Fidelity shows that businesses with ESPP plans see up to 42% lower turnover rates, yet implementation remains rare outside tech-focused sectors. These companies are missing out on a powerful tool to boost employee engagement and retention, especially in industries currently facing critical labor shortages.

A Major Software Gap: Traditional Companies Left Behind

Most equity management platforms focus on high-growth startups, leaving little room for companies in construction, manufacturing, or retail to benefit from such programs. As these industries face unprecedented hiring and retention challenges, the absence of modern solutions is glaring. Traditional businesses employ millions of workers, but they are underserved by tech—creating a massive untapped market for innovation.

This is where EquityPay comes in. We saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by providing simple, intuitive ESOP and ESPP tools for traditional companies. EquityPay allows these businesses to adopt stock-based incentives easily, creating new ways to engage employees and reduce turnover.

The Power of ESPP: A New Era for Employee Retention

Labor shortages continue to plague traditional industries, increasing turnover costs and making it difficult for companies to retain skilled workers. Offering stock purchase plans (ESPP) and equity-based compensation can change that. When employees feel like stakeholders, they’re more committed to their organization’s success. Companies with ESPPs often see higher employee engagement and loyalty, leading to lower churn and a stronger workforce.

Yet, many traditional companies underestimate ESPP’s potential. By empowering employees to invest in their company at a discount, businesses foster a sense of ownership and build trust. This is more than just a benefit—it’s a strategic advantage in industries where attracting and retaining skilled labor is critical.

EquityWallet: Real-World Value from Digital Shares

One of the most exciting aspects of EquityPay is EquityWallet, a digital wallet that allows employees to securely hold their shares. This isn't just about convenience—it opens up entirely new opportunities. Employees can use their equity as a proof of asset for loans, investments, or even financial planning. EquityWallet transforms stock from a number on paper into a tangible asset with real-world value, empowering workers to take control of their financial futures.

With EquityWallet, employees in traditional industries will have access to a modern financial tool that allows them to build wealth, giving them incentives that extend far beyond a paycheck. It shifts the narrative from simply “working for a company” to becoming invested in it.

The Opportunity is Huge—and We’re Just Getting Started

There are more than 5 million small to mid-sized businesses in North America that could benefit from better equity management tools, yet most have no access to platforms like those available to startups. These industries employ hundreds of millions of workers, and with labor shortages becoming a constant challenge, the potential for impact is massive.

At EquityPay, we believe it’s time to bring the benefits of equity ownership to everyone—not just tech workers. With our ESOP and ESPP platform tailored to traditional businesses, and EquityWallet helping employees unlock the full value of their shares, we’re reimagining what it means to empower the workforce.

This isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement. The future of work isn’t just about higher wages; it’s about ownership, engagement, and financial freedom. And we believe EquityPay will play a key role in shaping that future.

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