Startup Valuation Methods: What Indian Founders Need to Know
Your valuation determines how much equity you give away. A Rs 10 Cr pre-money vs Rs 15 Cr pre-money means 10% vs 6.67% dilution on a Rs 1 Cr raise. That 3.33% difference compounds at…
FEMA Year-End Compliance: What APR and FLA Filings Mean for Your Startup
March 31 is four days away. If your startup has foreign investors on its cap table, or if you have set up a subsidiary overseas, there are two RBI filings you cannot afford to miss:…
SEBI’s New AIF Reporting Framework: What Fund Managers and Startup Founders Should Know
A Fundamental Shift in AIF Compliance If you are involved with an Alternative Investment Fund in any capacity, whether as a fund manager, LP, or a startup receiving AIF investment, SEBI's March 4, 2026 circular…
RBI’s New Acquisition Finance Framework: What It Means for Your Next Strategic Deal
A Landmark Shift in Indian M&A Financing On February 13, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India issued amendment directions that, for the first time, allow commercial banks to directly finance corporate acquisitions. Effective April 1,…
The Cap Table Hygiene Checklist: Is Your Startup Due Diligence Ready?
Before your next investor meeting, run through this checklist. Most founders discover issues they didn't know existed. After reviewing 40+ cap tables, I've compiled the key hygiene checks that investors and their lawyers look for…
ESOP vs Phantom Stock: Which Equity Plan Is Right for Your Startup?
You want to retain your best people. You've heard about ESOPs. Maybe someone mentioned Phantom Stock. Your CA says "just do ESOPs" because that's what everyone does. Here's the problem: "what everyone does" is exactly…
RBI’s New Cross-Border Guarantee Framework: What Founders and Advisors Need to Know
On January 6, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India notified the FEMA (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026, replacing a framework that had governed cross-border guarantees since 2000. For founders with overseas subsidiaries, startups raising cross-border capital, and…
Singapore vs Dubai vs USA – Where should I incorporate?
Singapore vs. Dubai vs. USA: Stop choosing based on "Low Tax." Choose based on "End Game." Founders ask me daily: "Where should I incorporate?" They usually want the place with the lowest tax. That is…
Game-Changer for Indian Exporters: Rs. 25,060 Crore Export Promotion Mission
Game-Changer for Indian Exporters: Rs. 25,060 Crore Export Promotion Mission The Union Cabinet has approved a transformational initiative that could reshape India's export landscape, the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of Rs. 25,060…
RBI allows Indian Resident to open foreign currency accounts in GIFT City under LRS
The new RBI circular allows an Indian Resident to open foreign currency accounts in GIFT City under its Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). You can utilise the US Dollar remitted to your GIFT City account for…