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…
10 GST Changes Every Startup Must Act On Before April 30, 2026
FY 2026-27 started with a quiet revolution in GST compliance. Ten changes took effect on April 1, 2026, and if your startup has not adjusted yet, the consequences range from blocked filings to lost ITC…
How to Structure a US Subsidiary from India (Without Getting FEMA Wrong)
Every week, at least one founder asks me: "I want to set up a US entity. How do I do it?" The answer is not "just incorporate in Delaware." The answer starts with understanding which…
The Due Diligence Data Room Checklist for Series A
"Can you share your data room?" This is the first thing every serious investor says after the pitch. And most founders scramble. After reviewing 40+ data rooms in the last year, one pattern is clear:…
The Startup Founder’s March 31 Compliance Checklist: 10 Deadlines You Cannot Miss
March 31 is the most consequential date on every Indian startup's compliance calendar. Miss a deadline, and you're looking at penalties, interest, and questions from investors during due diligence. This checklist covers the 10 most…
ESOP Benchmarks 2026: How Much Equity Are Indian Startups Giving?
"How much equity should I give my CTO?" This is the single most common question founders ask us at A S Banka Advisors Private Limited. After structuring ESOP plans for 50+ Indian startups, we compiled…
The Startup Cap Table Guide: From Founding to Series A
Your cap table is the single most important financial document in your startup. It determines who owns what, how much you dilute at each round, and whether your company passes due diligence when you actually…
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…
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…