'Saying goodbye will hurt': iD Fresh Bangalore CEO's unusual move to help employees become entrepreneurs

Often, companies try their best to retain their best employees. However, iD Fresh ahs decided to take a unique approach. The Bengaluru-based company has introduced a new policy that allows employees to not just dream, but also make them come true, while still having a safety net to fall back on. The global CEO, Mushtafa P, announced the initiative a week ago and recalled how the company once started with just Rs 50,000 and as a token of gratitude and trust, he wishes to offer employees an opportunity to pursure their startup dreams and build something of their own.

What is entrepreneurship policy offering?

Musthafa P, an IIM Bangalore and NIT Calicut alumnus, shared the announcement on LinkedIn. He recalled how in the initial days the company faced many struggles as it started in a tiny kitchen in Bangalore with just Rs 50,000 and "a lot of fear". He admitted making mistakes and having sleepless nights. But, the company kept going "because a few people believed in us when we could not fully believe in ourselves." He said he had never forgotten what that support meant and wanted to offer similar encouragement to iD employees.

Under this new policy, employees who wish to pursue their start-up dreams will receive access to company's ecosystem and partnet network, mentorship from leadership team and partially paid sabbatical so that they can brave the struggles of the early days. In case, the start-up does not work out, the employees have the option to return to the company. Explaining the thinking behind the move, Musthafa wrote, “No one should have to choose between pursuing their dream and having a safety net.”


He admitted that letting some of the company's best people leave would be difficult. “Saying goodbye to some of our best people will hurt,” he said. However, he added that watching them build something of their own and create an impact greater than iD's would fill him with pride.

How did netizens react?

The announcement received an encouraging response on LinkedIn, with several users praising the company's approach to employee entrepreneurship. One user called it a “generous policy” and said, “Most companies treat an employee's startup dream as attrition to be managed; you're treating it as talent to be backed.” The user particularly appreciated the option to return, saying it removes the fear that often stops people from taking the first step.

Another user contrasted the initiative with companies laying off employees to meet short-term cost targets, calling it “a paradigm shift in supporting employees”. One commenter summed up the idea by writing, “A safety net is what turns a dream from a gamble into a plan.” Another pointed out that the fear of losing a steady income often holds people back, adding that the company's support and promise of a way back made pursuing a business venture far less risky.