Startup Advisory
From DPIIT registration to ESOP structuring — founder-friendly advisory to build your startup on a solid compliance foundation.
What We Cover
- Entity selection — Pvt Ltd, LLP, OPC comparison and incorporation
- DPIIT / Startup India recognition and 80-IAC tax holiday application
- ESOP plan design — pool sizing, vesting schedules, and tax structuring
- Angel tax advisory — valuation report, DPIIT exemption, and notice response
- Shareholder agreements, term sheet review, and founder equity structuring
- Seed and Series A fundraising — financial models and investor data room
- Compliance calendar — ROC filings, board meetings, AGM, and TDS
- Group restructuring and inter-company transaction advisory
Key Deliverables
How We Work
Entity & Structure
Advise on entity selection, incorporate the company, and set up initial compliance framework including registers, resolutions, and filings.
Registrations
Complete Startup India / DPIIT registration, PAN, TAN, GST, Professional Tax, and any sector-specific licenses required.
ESOP & Funding
Design ESOP plan, prepare valuation report, handle angel tax compliance, and set up documentation for fundraising rounds.
Ongoing Compliance
Manage compliance calendar, file annual returns, handle board meetings, and provide strategic advisory on tax planning and growth.
Scale-up Support
Prepare for institutional DD, upgrade financial reporting, and advise on group restructuring as the business scales.
Is This Service Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I incorporate as a Private Limited Company or LLP?
If you plan to raise equity funding from angels or VCs, a Private Limited Company is almost always the right choice as LLPs cannot issue shares. LLPs work well for professional services firms or businesses that plan to remain self-funded. We evaluate your specific situation including tax implications, compliance burden, and exit plans before recommending a structure.
What are the benefits of DPIIT Startup India registration?
DPIIT registration provides eligibility for a 3-year income tax holiday under Section 80-IAC, self-certification under 6 labour laws and 3 environmental laws, fast-track patent and trademark examination, access to Fund of Funds for Startups, and exemption from angel tax under Section 56(2)(viib) subject to conditions.
What is angel tax and how can we avoid it?
Angel tax under Section 56(2)(viib) applies when a company issues shares at a premium to resident investors, and the premium exceeds the fair market value. DPIIT-recognised startups can claim exemption by filing Form 2 with the CBDT. We ensure the valuation report (DCF method), CA certificate, and all supporting documents are prepared before the funding round.
How should we structure our ESOP plan?
We recommend an ESOP pool of 10-15% of the fully diluted share capital, a standard 4-year vesting schedule with a 1-year cliff, exercise price at or near face value for early employees, and clear good leaver/bad leaver provisions. We handle the Companies Act compliance, board and shareholder resolutions, and tax advisory for both the company and employees.
What ongoing compliance does a startup need to handle?
Key ongoing compliance includes annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7), income tax return filing, TDS returns, GST returns (if registered), board meetings (minimum 4 per year), AGM, statutory registers maintenance, and event-based filings (allotment, director changes, charge creation). We provide a complete compliance calendar and manage all filings.
Stop worrying. Talk to us today.
Our qualified CAs are ready to help you navigate taxes, compliance, and business growth. Reach out now.