A. Pre-Fundraising Strategy & Structuring
- Assessing fundraising goals, business valuation, and growth projections.
- Advising on the best funding instruments (equity, debt, hybrid).
- Structuring cap tables, founder equity, and ESOPs (Employee Stock Option Plans). Tailoring strategies for seed, Series A, B, C, and beyond.
- Regulatory assessment, including compliance with FEMA, Companies Act, SEBI, and RBI regulations.
- Advising on sectoral caps and restrictions on foreign investments (e.g., FDI in e-commerce, fintech).
B. Term Sheets & Investment Agreements
- Drafting and negotiating Term Sheets with investors.
- Structuring Investment Agreements (Equity, Convertible Instruments, SAFE Notes, Venture Debt).
- Ensuring investor protection clauses, exit strategy provisions, and governance rights.
C. Due Diligence & Regulatory Compliance
- Conducting pre-investment legal due diligence for companies including startups.
- Assisting investors with legal and financial due diligence.
- Ensuring compliance with corporate laws, SEBI regulations, FEMA, RBI, and tax laws.
- Advising on compliance benefits under Startup India, DPIIT certification, and tax exemptions (Section 80-IAC, Angel Tax Exemptions).
D. Fundraising Documentation & Contracts
- Drafting and reviewing investment-related agreements, including:
- Shareholders’ Agreements (SHA)
- Share Subscription Agreements (SSA)
- Convertible Debenture Agreements (CCDs, OCDs)
- SAFE Notes, Term Sheets, and Side Letters
- Structuring Stock Option Plans (ESOPs), RSUs, and Founder Vesting Agreements.
- Ensuring compliance with ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) norms for outbound investments.
E. Investor & Founder Rights Negotiation
- Negotiating Investor Rights, Veto Rights, and Board Representation.
- Structuring key investor protections such as anti-dilution clauses, liquidation preferences, and voting rights.
- Advising on Founder Lock-in Periods, Restrictions, and Governance Mechanisms.
F. Legal Structuring for Fundraising & Exits
- Advising on exit strategies via IPOs, secondary sales, or M&As.
- Drafting exit provisions, including Drag-Along and Tag-Along Rights.
- Structuring Waterfall Mechanisms, Revenue-Sharing, and Liquidation Rights.
G. Post-Investment Compliance & Ongoing Obligations
- Handling regulatory filings, investor reporting obligations, and disclosure requirements.
- Managing cap table updates, dilution tracking, and share transfers.
- Ensuring ongoing corporate governance and compliance with investor agreements.