Deepinder Goyal founded wearable technology startup Temple has nearly doubled its valuation to $375 million, just five months after raising its seed funding at a $190 million valuation.
The increase comes alongside the launch of the company’s first Employee Stock Ownership Plan liquidity programme, allowing select employees to monetize a portion of their vested stock options ahead of its next fundraising round.
Around 20 employees, from Temple’s workforce of nearly 200 to 220 people, will be eligible to sell up to 25% of their vested ESOPs under the programme. Such liquidity events are relatively uncommon at an early stage and typically provide employees with an opportunity to realise value from their equity before a company goes public or raises fresh capital.
Temple Rewards Early Employees Ahead of Next Fundraise
According to Moneycontrol, Temple has been witnessing strong investor interest ahead of its next funding round. Founder Deepinder Goyal said the company is receiving interest from external investors at a valuation of around $500 million and wants early employees to benefit from the value they have helped create before the next round is completed.
Temple raised $54 million in seed funding in February 2026 at a valuation of $190 million from investors including Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital, Vy Capital, Info Edge Ventures and others.
The latest secondary transaction values the startup at $375 million, reflecting growing investor confidence in the company’s wearable technology ambitions.
Temple’s move comes at a time when employee liquidity programmes are becoming more common across India’s startup ecosystem. Companies are increasingly using ESOP buybacks and secondary share sales to reward employees and improve retention while remaining privately held.
FAQs
- What is Temple?
Temple is a wearable technology startup founded by Deepinder Goyal that is building smart consumer technology products.
- What does a $375 million valuation mean?
It means investors estimate the company is worth $375 million based on its growth potential and recent transactions.
- What is an ESOP liquidity programme?
It allows eligible employees to sell a portion of their vested stock options and receive cash before the company goes public or raises more funding.
- Why are startup valuations important?
A higher valuation reflects investor confidence and can help a startup attract funding, talent, and strategic partners.
