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Pre-Seed Funding Handbook for Early Stage Entrepreneurs

Pre-seed funding is the initial capital that startups raise to lay the groundwork for launching their product or service.

Understanding the Role of a Qualified Purchaser in Startup Funding

A Qualified Purchaser is an individual or entity that meets financial criteria established under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

A Comprehensive Overview of Capital Calls in Private Equity

Capital calls in private equity are requests from a private equity fund manager asking investors to provide a part of committed capital.

Navigating The Impact of Blue Sky Laws on Startups

Blue sky laws are state securities regulations designed to protect investors from fraudulent sales practices and activities.

Your Guide to Optimizing Burn Rate and Cash Flow Management

Burn rate is the speed at which a company exhausts its cash reserves over a specific period. Read on to learn how to calculate burn rate.

What is Equity Crowdfunding? Pros & Cons and How it Works?

Equity crowdfunding enables startups to raise funds by offering ownership stakes to a diverse pool of investors via online platforms. Get complete details in th

Navigating the Financing Options for B2B SaaS Startups

Our recent LinkedIn Live session focused on this topic B2B SaaS (Software as a Service), providing valuable insights on how to raise funds.

What is Down Round Financing and How it Works

A down-round financing scenario is one such instance where a company raises less money than in the previous funding round.

Strike Price: What is it and How to Pick the Right Option?

The strike price is a fixed amount at which an option holder is able to buy or sell the underlying asset.

What is Series B Funding?

Series B funding typically is the second largest investment made in a startup, and it occurs after Series A funding. It is focused on scalability and expansion.

What is Pre-Seed Funding? Beginner’s Guide

Learn the essentials of pre-seed funding, including how to raise it and what it's used for. A comprehensive guide to help early-stage startups succeed.

Navigating Startup Advisory Shares for Founders and Advisors

Advisory shares offer a strategic approach to companies to leverage the expertise of advisors without major cash outlay

What are Startup Accelerators? How does it Work?

Learn how startup accelerators boost growth and success for early-stage startups. Read to know about how they work and how they help early-stage founders.

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): What is it and its Benefits

What are Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)?

Learn how Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) help companies isolate financial risk, securitize assets, and manage separate financial transactions effectively.

8 Essential Tips for Early-Stage Funding Pitches

Boost your chances of securing early-stage funding with these 8 pitch essentials. Craft a compelling narrative that convinces investors to fund your startup.

A Comprehensive Guide for Understanding Startup Equity

Startup equity refers to the portion of ownership that individuals have in a new company. Startup Equity is like a pie, which is meant to be shared by everyone.

What are Pro Rata Rights?

Pro-rata rights are crucial in venture capital financing to protect investors' equity and voting power

7 Types of Startup Funding You Need to know

Learn about angel investment, venture capital, crowdfunding, and more as we explore the 7 types of startup funding essential for every startups success.

Understanding Pre-Money vs. Post-Money SAFE: A Comprehensive Guide

Pre-money or post-money SAFE? This seemingly small distinction packs a powerful punch, impacting your future ownership and investor dynamics.

What are Tear Sheets? Why Do They Matter in Investing?

This blog covers tear sheets in analysis, offering insights on their composition and best practices for creating the perfect tear sheet.

Beginner's Guide to Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)

explore everything you need to know about SAFE agreements

Beginner's Guide to Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)

explore everything you need to know about SAFE agreements

Everything about Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPACs)

what exactly are SPACs, and why are they gaining so much momentum?

Importance of Equity Management for a Startup

In this article, we will see why equity management is important for startups.

Employee Equity during Down Rounds. Everything you need to know!

A down round is a financing round in which a company raises capital at a lower valuation than its previous financing round.

How to Calculate Total Addressable Market

TAM is an estimate of the total annual revenue your business will generate if it captures 100% market share.

How to be Fundraise Ready?

This blog will be a step-by-step guide for you to understand the key points to keep in mind before you start your fundraising plan.

Warrants: A Concise Guide

A warrant is an attractive financial instrument to lure strategic investors to their company. It helps them raise capital without any upfront equity dilution.

Equity and Beyond: How can founders brave the winter by building an optimal capital stack?

Understand the various funding choices that founders have to grow their businesses.

Qapita Office Hours with The Chennai Angels

Qapita Office Hours- an opportunity to have an open, free-wheeling discussion with stakeholders from the startup ecosystem.

Why You Should Share CapTable with Your Investors (And How to do it)

Learn why sharing your CapTable with investors is crucial. Know how it helps with investor relations, startup funding, equity ownership, dilution management

What is Equity? How Startup Founders Can Leverage It

Equity represents ownership and control of a person in a company.

Raising VC funds? How to Determine the Amount

What amount to raise? The straightforward answer depends on how much resources you would require to reach the next milestone

25 Most Active Angel Investors in India

Mostly, angel investors have domain preferences some invest in the consumer segment, while others prefer healthcare or education.

What is Valuation Cap and Valuation Floor?

A valuation floor provides a baseline value, assuring investors of the minimum worth of their investment.

An Intro to Startup Valuation Methods

Valuation forms the basis for the equity exchange that takes place during the fundraise but how is it calculated?

What is a liquidation waterfall?

Liquidation waterfall is a type of scenario modeling to estimate a payout for each individual investor upon a liquidation event.

Raising Funds with Convertible Notes

Term Sheets - What you should know

The term sheet serves as a template and basis for more detailed, legally binding documents.

Convertible Notes - The Basics

A convertible note is a form of debt instrument that converts into equity, typically in conjunction with a future financing round.

25+ Venture Capitalist Firms that Invests in (Early-Stage) Startups in India

In this post, we have discussed some of the prominent VCs who invest in early and growth-stage startups in India.

Fundraising Jargon Simplified: A Glossary for Founders

In this post, we’ll discuss the basic terms which founders must know before preparing their pitch decks or going into fundraising

Types of Funding Rounds: Seed, Series A, B, C...

How various funding rounds work, and what are the similarities and differences between them?

Investor Update: Everything You Need to Know

In this blog, we have discussed how you can regularly update the investors—who are betting on you—and nurture your relations with the investors.

What other options are emerging for startups?

There are instances when VC funding may not be the best fit for your startup depending on a variety of factors.

Is it necessary to have a cofounder agreement?

It can be tempting to forgo drafting a cofounder agreement especially when you are friends- there's trust and no conflicts.

What are Accelerators?

Programmes that provide young companies with access to mentorship, funding, networking and other resources.

Things to do Before Raising Funds: How Qapita Can Help

We have compiled a list of things you can do to facilitate the funding process!

What makes a Perfect Pitch Deck?

what exactly is a pitch deck? And more importantly, what makes a perfect pitch deck?

What are Common Stocks and Preferred Stocks?

Before issuing any shares, founders need to understand what the difference between these two equity instruments are!

3 Key Things to Watch Out For in Your Term Sheet

During fundraising, various term sheets may be offered from different investors.

How can your virtual pitch make a deep connection with potential investors?

Delivering an impactful presentation requires substantial preparation, building a rapport, and connecting on a personal level with

How to Create a CapTable

a captable shows “who owns what” and “what proportion of the company a shareholder owns”.

Asset Sale vs Stock Sale Explained for Startup Founders

Understanding the differences between an asset sale vs stock sale is crucial for startup founders.

How to Create a Comprehensive Compensation Plan?

A compensation plan is a strategy that defines how a company rewards its employees, including direct and indirect components.

What are Valuation Certificate?

Discover the importance of a Valuation Certificate, ensuring accurate assessments of assets and liabilities

What are Post-Money Valuation? Meaning and Calculation

Learn about Post-Money Valuation, a key metric for startup funding that determines ownership stakes and company worth after investment rounds

Different types of Securities Investors Should Know

Discover the four types of securities—equity securities, debt, derivative, and hybrid—and how they help diversify portfolios and generate income

What are Fully Diluted Shares? How do you Calculate them?

Explore fully diluted shares and their impact on startup employees, investors, and advisors, with tips on calculation and equity management

Choosing the Best Equity Compensation: RSU vs. Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options are both forms of equity compensation offered by companies to employees.

Equity Refresh: A Fresh Approach to Employee Compensation

Taxes on equity: What you need to know?

Taxes on equity refer to the various taxes that can be levied on the value or sale of equity-based compensation or investments.

Option Pool: What It is and How It Works

An option pool is a set of stock options that a company grants to its employees, often as part of its compensation package.

Understanding Stock Grants Distribution: A Detailed Guide

Stock grants are incentives provided by a company to its employees or other stakeholders, usually in the form of company stock.

Difference between Convertible Notes vs SAFE agreements

Convertible notes provide early-stage funding through debt that later converts into equity, while SAFEs streamline the process with a straightforward equity agr

Mastering ESOP Cost Expensing: A Comprehensive Guide

Learn how ESOPs align employee interests, key methods for cost recognition, valuation models, and regulatory compliance for effective financial reporting.

Types of Companies which use Equity Management Software

Read on to know which types of companies benefit most from equity management software and how it streamlines equity compensation, reporting, and compliance.

10 Ways to Educate Your Employees About Equity Compensation

Improve employee education on equity compensation with 10 practical ways that simplify complex concepts while boosting retention, attraction, and engagement.

Enhancing Employee Stock Option Participation: Exploring ESOP Cashless Exercise and ESOP Funding Solutions

Explore how cashless exercise and ESOP funding enhance employee participation in stock options by easing financial burdens and providing flexibility

Equity in Business: An Essential Guide to Understanding and Calculating It

Equity in business represents the ownership stake in a company. This blog covers the essential aspects of equity in business.

Understanding Equity Education: A Learner's Guide for Employees

A complete guide to equity education for employees. Learn why it's vital and how to communicate equity plans for maximum impact. Read to know more.

What Is Share Dilution and Its Effect On Early Stage Startups

Share dilution occurs when a company issues new shares, reducing the ownership stake of present shareholders. This blog covers its impact on startups

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): What is it and its Benefits

Equity Pool: Why Does Pool Size Matter

In this blog, we will briefly cover why the size of an equity pool matters.

What are Total Rewards Statements?

Learn what a Total Rewards Statement is, what it includes, and how it benefits employees. Get tips on creating and accessing total rewards statements.

What is Equity Refresh Grant?

Equity refresh grants are additional stock options or shares awarded to existing employees to maintain their stake in the company. Read this guide to know more.

Understanding Phantom Equity: Implications for Startups

Phantom equity is a compensation plan that mirrors stock ownership for employees. This blog covers the key aspects of phantom equity and how it works.

What are Incentive Stock Options and How Do They Work?

Qapita and The Venture Build Announce Partnership

This collaboration will provide TVB’s network of growing as well as established companies with seamless access to captable management & data room.

Maximizing the Potential of Employee Share Option Schemes in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

Our discussion features insights from Shawn Ho, Co-Founder at Donovan & Ho, and our host, Amit Majumder, from the latest edition of LinkedIn Live.

What is Equity Management | Everything You Need to Know

Equity management software are specialized tools designed to assist in managing and tracking of equity-related activities within the organization.

A Comprehensive Look into Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) for Expanding Businesses

webinar hosted by Qapita, Tanvi Chopra, CEO In Role and Rahul Somani, Head Consulting and Operations at ESOP Direct

What Happens to your ESOPs when you leave your company?

If an employee leaves a company, they typically have several options for their ESOPs

Option Pool: Size of ESOP Pool at Various Startup's Stages

Discover the importance of option pools and ESOP pools at various stages of startup growth. Learn about equity compensation, stock options, and funding rounds.

ESOP Trust in India

An ESOP Trust is specifically created and registered for the purpose of implementing ESOP Plan.

What are Pre-Money Valuation?

Discover the importance of Pre-Money Valuation, its calculation methods, influencing factors, and impact on startup funding decisions

Choosing the Best Equity Compensation: RSU vs. Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options are both forms of equity compensation offered by companies to employees.

Equity Refresh: A Fresh Approach to Employee Compensation

What are Outstanding Shares?

Outstanding shares are crucial for calculating key financial metrics like EPS and market capitalization to analyze the company's profitability and financial hea

Taxes on equity: What you need to know?

Taxes on equity refer to the various taxes that can be levied on the value or sale of equity-based compensation or investments.

Option Pool: What It is and How It Works

An option pool is a set of stock options that a company grants to its employees, often as part of its compensation package.

What is Accelerated Vesting?

Accelerated vesting lets employees access equity faster due to triggering events like mergers or acquisitions. Read on to learn about how it works in this blog.

Basics of Stock Vesting: Your Guide to Employee Ownership

Stock vesting is a process where an employee gradually earns ownership of company stock over a set period.

Should ESOP Plans provide for giving liquidity / enable encashment to employees? If so how and when?

Learn how private companies create liquidity for ESOPs, compensating employees before IPOs with external and internal funding options

Whether ESOPs mean money right after Grant?

Learn how Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) work, from grant to vesting, exercise, and sale, and how employees can benefit from long-term value growth

Implementation of ESOPs – Do’s and Don’ts for Employers

Learn how to increase equity exposure through salary sacrifice, ESPPs, and more, while managing cash burn and maximizing employee share benefits

Key Components of an ESOP Scheme

Discover the key components of Employee Stock Option (ESOP) schemes, covering objectives, vesting, exercise parameters, taxation, and monetization for employee

When to Grant Employee Equity in your company

Offering equity early can align employees’ interests with company goals. The ideal moment depends on your company's stage and needs. Read on to learn more.

Unlocking the Potential of Non-Qualified Stock Options for Your Startup

Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) are a type of employee compensation that grants the right to purchase company shares at a fixed price.

Understanding Form 6251 and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

IRS Form 6251 is used to calculate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) owed by an individual.

Strike Price: What is it and How to Pick the Right Option?

The strike price is a fixed amount at which an option holder is able to buy or sell the underlying asset.

What are Performance Shares?

Learn about performance shares, features, benefits, why companies issue them and why companies use them to incentivize long-term success and retain top talent.

What Is Share Dilution and Its Effect On Early Stage Startups

Share dilution occurs when a company issues new shares, reducing the ownership stake of present shareholders. This blog covers its impact on startups

Preferred Stock vs Common Stock: Understanding Stock Ownership Options

Stock Options Explained: Types & How it Works

What are Sweat Equity Shares & How Do They Work?

Sweat equity shares are a way for companies to incentivize employees. Learn about the process, benefits, and procedures involved in issuing sweat equity.

What is a compensation plan?

Discover how to create an effective compensation plan. Learn types, benefits, key elements and boost employee retention and performance with the right strategy.

Equity Compensation: A Beginner's Guide to Stock Options

Equity compensation is a key part of many compensation packages. Learn how it works, its benefits, tax implications, and how to structure it effectively.

What are Total Rewards Statements?

Learn what a Total Rewards Statement is, what it includes, and how it benefits employees. Get tips on creating and accessing total rewards statements.

What is Equity Refresh Grant?

Equity refresh grants are additional stock options or shares awarded to existing employees to maintain their stake in the company. Read this guide to know more.

Understanding Phantom Equity: Implications for Startups

Phantom equity is a compensation plan that mirrors stock ownership for employees. This blog covers the key aspects of phantom equity and how it works.

How to Make ESOPs Work for Your Company?

Boost employee engagement & retention with ESOPs. Learn how to implement Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in your company with this 5-step guide.

Driving Innovation in Indonesia's Tech Ecosystem: A Look at Listing Prospects and Growth Areas

The discussion illuminated the crucial strategies driving innovation and fostering expansion within the tech sector.

What are Founder’s Shares?

Founders shares represent a form of ownership granted to the founders of a startup. Read more to explore everything from vesting schedules to strategic benefits

Phantom Shares: A Comprehensive Guide Helpful for Startups

Phantom Shares are a unique form of compensation that aligns employee incentives with company performance without actual ownership. Read to know how they work.

How are Stock Options Granted?

In this blog, we'll explore the intricacies of stock option grants, from their inception to implementation.

Understanding the Different Types of Stock Options

There are two types of stock options: ISOs (Incentive Stock Options) and NSOs (non-qualified stock options). Learn the differences between the two.

Differences between ISO vs NSO Options: Which is better?

Comparing incentive stock options (ISOs) vs non-qualified stock options (NSOs) to determine which employee stock plan is better. Understand the key differences.

Designing a Successful ESOP Plan: Key Things to Consider

understand the key considerations to remember while implementing an effective and fair ESOP plan.

What is carried interest and how does it work?

we will discuss what carried interest is, how it works, how it is taxed, how it is calculated, where it is reported, and how it differs from performance fees.

Understanding Rule 701: A Detailed Explanation for Founders

Rule 701 is a federal securities law exemption allowing companies to offer securities to their employees, consultants, and advisors.

Using ESOP for performance bonus

Like any other compensation & benefit elements, HR could utilize ESOP for performance bonus

Employees Compensation choices: RSU vs ESOP vs SAR

Learn about the different types of employee compensation choices. Discover how equity and performance based compensation, stock options can benefit employees.

What are Common Stocks and Preferred Stocks?

Before issuing any shares, founders need to understand what the difference between these two equity instruments are!

A Comprehensive Overview of Capital Calls in Private Equity

Capital calls in private equity are requests from a private equity fund manager asking investors to provide a part of committed capital.

Your Guide to Optimizing Burn Rate and Cash Flow Management

Burn rate is the speed at which a company exhausts its cash reserves over a specific period. Read on to learn how to calculate burn rate.

What is ASC 820 and Why Do You Need One?

ASC 820, or the Fair Value Measurement standard, establishes guidelines for determining the fair value of assets and liabilities

Understanding 409A Valuation Report

Confused About Your Startup’s 409A Valuation? We've Got Answers

Confused about startup 409A Valuations? This article answers all your questions about 409A Valuations for startups.

409A Valuation Vs VC Valuation: Know The Difference

Wondering about the 409A valuation vs. VC valuation? What is the meaning of post-money valuation? Learn more about these important valuation methods here.

A Founder’s Guide to 409A Valuation

Here is a comprehensive guide for founders to understand the 409A valuation process, its importance, and its implications for startups & emerging companies.

What is Fund Administration? Why Do Businesses Need them?

In this article, we will explore the meaning, services, processes, and importance of fund administration.

Choosing the Right 409A Valuation Provider for Your Startup: Everything You Need to Consider

Choosing the right 409A provider is crucial

Qonversation on 409A Valuations

In a recent Qonversation on 409A Valuations, hosted by Amit Majumder, Head of SEA & ANZ at Qapita, with Evelyn Tay, Valuations and Financial Reporting at Qapita

Exploring Three Commonly Used Models in Option Valuation

With over a decade of experience across various organizations and jurisdictions, Amit's expertise provides valuable perspectives on the accounting, ESOP & etc.

Decoding ESOP Valuation & Accounting

When it comes to equity compensation, determining the appropriate amount to amortize requires ascertaining the fair value of ESOPs or equity awards.

7 Things To Know About The 409A Valuations

Know everything you need to know about the 409A Valuations including what it is, when you need, why you need, valuation methodologies, and etc.

Does your company need a 409A valuation?  

If you have employees in the US that you want to grant equity to, you will need 409A, even if you are a foreign company.

What is Valuation Cap and Valuation Floor?

A valuation floor provides a baseline value, assuring investors of the minimum worth of their investment.

An Intro to Startup Valuation Methods

Valuation forms the basis for the equity exchange that takes place during the fundraise but how is it calculated?

What is a liquidation waterfall?

Liquidation waterfall is a type of scenario modeling to estimate a payout for each individual investor upon a liquidation event.

Your Guide to Optimizing Burn Rate and Cash Flow Management

Burn rate is the speed at which a company exhausts its cash reserves over a specific period. Read on to learn how to calculate burn rate.

Navigating ASC 718: Essential Insights for Financial Reporting

ASC 718 is an accounting standard that outlines how companies should account for stock-based compensation like ESOs.

Understanding Form 6251 and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

IRS Form 6251 is used to calculate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) owed by an individual.

5 Tips to Help You Find the Right Startup Advisor

A startup advisor is an expert mentor for startup founders. Find the ideal startup advisor with these 5 expert tips, ensuring your business succeeds.

What is an Accredited Investor?

Accredited investors have access to exclusive investment opportunities. Read more in this blog about the criteria, benefits, and risks.

Understanding Form 3922: Transfer of Stock Obtained Under an ESOP Plan

Form 3922 is meant to record the transfer of stock gained through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Keep reading to learn about its key aspects.

IRS Form 3921: What is it and How to File?

IRS Form 3921 is used when an employee exercises incentive stock options (ISOs) and receives company stock. Read on to learn more about it.

Who are Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)?

Registered Investment Advisors is an individual or a company that helps provide their clients with financial advice

Compliance mistakes Founders should avoid while fundraising in India | Qapita

In this live session, we aim to shed light on the numerous compliance mistakes that should be vigilantly avoided.

Qonversations on Debt with Equity - Qapita

When considering financing options, the speed and efficiency of the process are important factors for companies.

Financial Planning Tools for Startups

Financial planning is vital for optimum uses of capital. Having financial tools at your disposal enables you to accomplish financial planning easily

7 Things To Know About The 409A Valuations

Know everything you need to know about the 409A Valuations including what it is, when you need, why you need, valuation methodologies, and etc.

Startup Due Diligence Checklist: Expert Fundraising Guide

Before giving money to a company, VCs do a thorough background check to verify that the information provided by the company is correct.

Importance of Equity Management

In this blog, we will explore the importance of equity management and the best practices for optimizing it.

Transfer of Share Rights | Tag Along and Drag Along

In this blog let’s talk about the last set of Transfer of Share Rights: Tag Along Rights and Drag Along Rights.

Transfer of Share Rights | Promoter Lock-In | You Shall Not Pass! #SHA101

Promoter Lock-in quite literally means locking-in the promoter from selling their shares to any third party.

ROFO vs ROFR: Navigating Share Rights Transfer

In this blog, let’s talk about a few ‘Transfer of Shares’ rights that are typically given to investors and in some cases to other shareholders too.

Pre-Emptive Rights: Everyone wants to keep betting on the winning horse! #SHA101

Today, let’s talk about Pre-emptive or Pro-Rata rights.

Definitive Agreements - SSA/SHA/SPA. Because mere shaking-on a deal is not ‘definitive’ enough!

Demystifying the various terms and clauses that are part of a typical Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA).

ESOP Taxation for Startups in India

ESOPs are liable to taxation. As a company founder, you want your employees to understand the associated legalities and taxes.

Understanding IFRS 2: Valuations and Financial Reporting Guide for Startups

IFRS 2 is a set of accounting rules issued by the IASB that outlines the principls for recognising and measuring share-based payment transactions.

An Intro to Startup Valuation Methods

Valuation forms the basis for the equity exchange that takes place during the fundraise but how is it calculated?

Things to do Before Raising Funds: How Qapita Can Help

We have compiled a list of things you can do to facilitate the funding process!

3 Key Things to Watch Out For in Your Term Sheet

During fundraising, various term sheets may be offered from different investors.

How to Create a CapTable

a captable shows “who owns what” and “what proportion of the company a shareholder owns”.

Drafting an ESOP is easier than you think

A lot of HR Teams and leaders have an impression of ESOPs as something that is highly complex to be drafted by themselves.

ESOP Academy 7: Understanding Equity Plan Documentation

Is there anything you can do on your own if it’s not possible to obtain all the information from your employer?

ESOP Academy Chapter 5: Tax Considerations

This introductory article is designed to help you better understand ESOPs.

Why are ESOPs Gaining Traction Lately? Reasons behind their popularity

ESOPs are a great tool for founders to provide worth to their employees. Learning about ESOPs and adopting them early in your journey can be a wise decision.

Orange Health, CityMall & Niyo announce Buyback Programs while Q3 sees a sharp drop in Employee Liquidity

Sharp drop in Employee Liquidity: $200+ million in Q3 2021 vs <$20 million in Q3 2022

Decoding Liquidity Programs for Private Markets with Skanda Jayaraman, CEO of Qapita Marketplace

Welcome to this special edition of Fables Of ESOP. In this we seek to deconstruct the basics of liquidity programs for you.

Why are startups opting for ESOPs?

ESOP is a hiring and retention strategy that provides a competitive edge and helps create a motivated and energized workforce.