Altshare Report Reveals Sharp Decline in Stock Options for Young Israeli High-Tech Workers

A new report by Israeli company Altshare reveals a significant shift in the allocation of stock options within the high-tech sector, particularly affecting younger employees. Stock options, traditionally a key financial tool enabling startup employees to potentially become wealthy after a company exit, are increasingly being granted to older, more experienced workers rather than younger staff. The data, covering over 3,000 companies worldwide and representing about 40% of private Israeli startups, shows that the share of stock options granted to employees under 30 has dropped from 8% to just 3% over the past three years. The portion for those aged 31 to 40 also declined from 32% to 27%, while the share for employees aged 51 and above rose sharply from 26% to 35%.

Altshare CEO Ronen Solomon attributes this trend primarily to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, which have changed the way companies value human judgment and expertise. Instead of using options to attract young talent expected to grow with the company, firms now focus on retaining seasoned employees who provide immediate business impact and skills that AI cannot replace. Additionally, the Israeli high-tech sector's emphasis on AI and cybersecurity, combined with ongoing military conflicts and workforce shortages, has accelerated a shift toward smaller, more experienced teams. This has further concentrated stock option grants among older workers.

Solomon emphasizes that stock options are losing their role as an entry ticket for young, inexperienced workers to take risks and potentially get rich in high-tech. Instead, they have become a retention tool for proven employees. Young professionals aspiring to join the high-tech industry with hopes of quick wealth through stock options should recognize that this opportunity is becoming increasingly rare. The report was first published by N12 on July 9, 2026.