1. Raising Funds by Startups in
India
www.equicorplegal.com

2. Basic Question which every
Startup face…….
It takes more than just a great idea to run a successful business. Entrepreneurs and existing
business owners need capital to pursue their vision. There are few basic questions which
every startups face…..
 Legal Aspects for Starting Up: What are the basic forms of doing business and their
relative benefits? Essential procedures and prerequisites of each form of business.
 Contractual safeguards: How do we limit contractual liability? Relevant stakeholders
(promoters/co-founders; employees; consultants; clients and vendors) and the respective
contract liability mitigating strategies.
 Employees and workplace regulations: When are we subject to employee benefits? With
increasing international focus on workplace regulations, employees have many legal rights
that must not be neglected. Basic criteria for applicability of such regulations and their
implications shall be discussed.
 Data Protection: How do we protect the competitive value of data in our business? Data
protection is distinct from IPRs, and therefore, we must understand the legal framework of
protecting data and the relevant international trends in this regard.
It takes more than just a great idea to run a successful business. Entrepreneurs and existing
business owners need capital to pursue their vision. There are few basic questions which
every startups face…..
 Legal Aspects for Starting Up: What are the basic forms of doing business and their
relative benefits? Essential procedures and prerequisites of each form of business.
 Contractual safeguards: How do we limit contractual liability? Relevant stakeholders
(promoters/co-founders; employees; consultants; clients and vendors) and the respective
contract liability mitigating strategies.
 Employees and workplace regulations: When are we subject to employee benefits? With
increasing international focus on workplace regulations, employees have many legal rights
that must not be neglected. Basic criteria for applicability of such regulations and their
implications shall be discussed.
 Data Protection: How do we protect the competitive value of data in our business? Data
protection is distinct from IPRs, and therefore, we must understand the legal framework of
protecting data and the relevant international trends in this regard.
It takes more than just a great idea to run a successful business. Entrepreneurs and existing
business owners need capital to pursue their vision. There are few basic questions which
every startups face…..
 Legal Aspects for Starting Up: What are the basic forms of doing business and their
relative benefits? Essential procedures and prerequisites of each form of business.
 Contractual safeguards: How do we limit contractual liability? Relevant stakeholders
(promoters/co-founders; employees; consultants; clients and vendors) and the respective
contract liability mitigating strategies.
 Employees and workplace regulations: When are we subject to employee benefits? With
increasing international focus on workplace regulations, employees have many legal rights
that must not be neglected. Basic criteria for applicability of such regulations and their
implications shall be discussed.
 Data Protection: How do we protect the competitive value of data in our business? Data
protection is distinct from IPRs, and therefore, we must understand the legal framework of
protecting data and the relevant international trends in this regard.
www.equicorplegal.com

3. Most Fundamental Question
which every Startup face…….
…..
However, the most fundamental and important
question is – “How to fund your startup?”
If you don't have the cash in your wallet, what
do you do?
Most Fundamental Question
which every Startup face…….
…..
However, the most fundamental and important
question is – “How to fund your startup?”
If you don't have the cash in your wallet, what
do you do?
However, the most fundamental and important
question is – “How to fund your startup?”
If you don't have the cash in your wallet, what
do you do?
www.equicorplegal.com

4. Understanding the Options
It is important to explore and understand the full range of options
available to an entrepreneur. Luckily, there are still options for funding
new companies, but finding and securing the cash will take careful
research, good negotiating skills, and, above all, dedicated commitment to
launch your business. Few options for raising funds by startups are
provided below:
1. Family & Friends
2. Crowd Funding
3. Preferred Stock & Convertible Debt
4. Angel Investment
5. Venture Capital
It is important to explore and understand the full range of options
available to an entrepreneur. Luckily, there are still options for funding
new companies, but finding and securing the cash will take careful
research, good negotiating skills, and, above all, dedicated commitment to
launch your business. Few options for raising funds by startups are
provided below:
1. Family & Friends
2. Crowd Funding
3. Preferred Stock & Convertible Debt
4. Angel Investment
5. Venture Capital
It is important to explore and understand the full range of options
available to an entrepreneur. Luckily, there are still options for funding
new companies, but finding and securing the cash will take careful
research, good negotiating skills, and, above all, dedicated commitment to
launch your business. Few options for raising funds by startups are
provided below:
1. Family & Friends
2. Crowd Funding
3. Preferred Stock & Convertible Debt
4. Angel Investment
5. Venture Capital
www.equicorplegal.com

5. Family & Friends
 People like to invest not only in the idea but in the person
involved in it. However using family and friends as a source
of raising money can be risky. It can create a strain that can
ruin personal relationships. It is also worth to note that over
70% of startups fail in their first three years often because of
factors completely outside of the control of the owners.
Make sure that you are borrowing money that they can
afford to lose. Execute a written agreement with all terms,
even if it is a “friendly” loan.
 People like to invest not only in the idea but in the person
involved in it. However using family and friends as a source
of raising money can be risky. It can create a strain that can
ruin personal relationships. It is also worth to note that over
70% of startups fail in their first three years often because of
factors completely outside of the control of the owners.
Make sure that you are borrowing money that they can
afford to lose. Execute a written agreement with all terms,
even if it is a “friendly” loan.
 People like to invest not only in the idea but in the person
involved in it. However using family and friends as a source
of raising money can be risky. It can create a strain that can
ruin personal relationships. It is also worth to note that over
70% of startups fail in their first three years often because of
factors completely outside of the control of the owners.
Make sure that you are borrowing money that they can
afford to lose. Execute a written agreement with all terms,
even if it is a “friendly” loan.
www.equicorplegal.com

6. Crowd Funding
 Crowd funding takes it name from the fact
that your project is funded by the public
using their own personal funds. To start with,
you propose the idea that you wish to see
funded. People can then choose how much or
how little they want to give you.
 Crowd funding takes it name from the fact
that your project is funded by the public
using their own personal funds. To start with,
you propose the idea that you wish to see
funded. People can then choose how much or
how little they want to give you.
 Crowd funding takes it name from the fact
that your project is funded by the public
using their own personal funds. To start with,
you propose the idea that you wish to see
funded. People can then choose how much or
how little they want to give you.
www.equicorplegal.com

7. Preferred Stock/Convertible
Debt
 Startups generally offer preferred shares or
convertible debentures when they raise money.
Common stock is typically given to founders and
reserved for options. The reason to offer preferred
shares or convertible debentures is that they often
come with provisions like rights and dividend
preference. They are also superior to the common
stock. This will make the investment more
attractive and assure the investor he or she will be
paid out first.
 Startups generally offer preferred shares or
convertible debentures when they raise money.
Common stock is typically given to founders and
reserved for options. The reason to offer preferred
shares or convertible debentures is that they often
come with provisions like rights and dividend
preference. They are also superior to the common
stock. This will make the investment more
attractive and assure the investor he or she will be
paid out first.
 Startups generally offer preferred shares or
convertible debentures when they raise money.
Common stock is typically given to founders and
reserved for options. The reason to offer preferred
shares or convertible debentures is that they often
come with provisions like rights and dividend
preference. They are also superior to the common
stock. This will make the investment more
attractive and assure the investor he or she will be
paid out first.
www.equicorplegal.com

8. Angel Investment
 Angel Investment can go beyond the purely
financial. The advice and connections that a
good angel investor can offer can be equally
as valuable. Angel investors are willing to
take on the risk of a brand new startup.
 Angel Investment can go beyond the purely
financial. The advice and connections that a
good angel investor can offer can be equally
as valuable. Angel investors are willing to
take on the risk of a brand new startup.
 Angel Investment can go beyond the purely
financial. The advice and connections that a
good angel investor can offer can be equally
as valuable. Angel investors are willing to
take on the risk of a brand new startup.
www.equicorplegal.com

9. Venture Capital
 Venture capitalists aim to invest in early
stage businesses with high growth potential.
Traditionally venture capitalists received
equity in the business in exchange for
funding it. However these days they typically
demand a mixture of equity and debt
financing
 Venture capitalists aim to invest in early
stage businesses with high growth potential.
Traditionally venture capitalists received
equity in the business in exchange for
funding it. However these days they typically
demand a mixture of equity and debt
financing
 Venture capitalists aim to invest in early
stage businesses with high growth potential.
Traditionally venture capitalists received
equity in the business in exchange for
funding it. However these days they typically
demand a mixture of equity and debt
financing
www.equicorplegal.com

10. Source of Funding/ Raising
capital
Both long term funds and working capital – is one of the
biggest issues and challenges for any startup looking
towards scale, sustainability and success. Depending on
the business model and regulatory considerations, choice
of entity will play a key role in determining the options
of capital available (i.e. grant capital vs. commercial
capital), source of capital available (i.e. domestic capital
vs. foreign capital) and manner of engagement with the
funders – therefore, choice of legal entity should also be
made through the lenses of the proposed sources of
capital.
Both long term funds and working capital – is one of the
biggest issues and challenges for any startup looking
towards scale, sustainability and success. Depending on
the business model and regulatory considerations, choice
of entity will play a key role in determining the options
of capital available (i.e. grant capital vs. commercial
capital), source of capital available (i.e. domestic capital
vs. foreign capital) and manner of engagement with the
funders – therefore, choice of legal entity should also be
made through the lenses of the proposed sources of
capital.
Both long term funds and working capital – is one of the
biggest issues and challenges for any startup looking
towards scale, sustainability and success. Depending on
the business model and regulatory considerations, choice
of entity will play a key role in determining the options
of capital available (i.e. grant capital vs. commercial
capital), source of capital available (i.e. domestic capital
vs. foreign capital) and manner of engagement with the
funders – therefore, choice of legal entity should also be
made through the lenses of the proposed sources of
capital.
www.equicorplegal.com

11. www.equicorplegal.com

12. Consult the Experts
 There can be different other structures for
raising funds by startup, however, a startup
should look into the options which is best
suited for your business.
 To know the further details about Raising
Funds by Startups and other aspects of
startups, contact us at
admin@equicorplegal.com
 There can be different other structures for
raising funds by startup, however, a startup
should look into the options which is best
suited for your business.
 To know the further details about Raising
Funds by Startups and other aspects of
startups, contact us at
admin@equicorplegal.com
www.equicorplegal.com

13. Equi Corp Associates,
Advocates & Solicitors
“Navigating a complex legal system
takes knowledge, experience &
skill.”
About Us
ECA more than a
Law Firm
About Us
Equi Corp Associates (“ECA”) is a multispecialty law firm based in
New Delhi, India started in 2012 for providing affordable access to
legal counsel benefitting start-ups, small and growing businesses,
social business enterprises, impact investors and non-profit
organizations. ECA boutique service offerings are primarily at the
intersection of start-up, sustainable development, social enterprise
and investment sectors, advising them about legal aspects involved
in modern markets in order to keep our clients in pace with the
dynamic competitive environment.ECA is instrumental in advising
various social enterprises and start ups in setting up business in
India.
ECA not only have some of the best legal minds, but the best
business minds too: lawyers are intimately familiar with the
business environment, and know the emerging risks and
opportunities of their industries and practice groups.
ECA is also effective in providing match making partner/locating
strategic alliance, follow up and representation with Government of
India or any other incidental work related to investment or legal
guidance in India.
One stop legal boutique with service levels
at par with international law firms. Our
respected clients - from individuals to small
businesses to Fortune 500 companies --
turn to us for trusted legal counsel.
Full service delivery is achieved by
synergies of subject matter expertise of our
in-house Lawyers, Chartered Accountants
& Company Secretaries. We advise and
assist NRI’s/PIO’s, Foreign Investors and
Indian entrepreneurs with legal services
that enables them to compete with best in
world in the modern economy
characterised by technology based, venture
capital funded, futuristic businesses
governed by complex and ever evolving
legal and statutory framework.
Equi Corp Associates (“ECA”) is a multispecialty law firm based in
New Delhi, India started in 2012 for providing affordable access to
legal counsel benefitting start-ups, small and growing businesses,
social business enterprises, impact investors and non-profit
organizations. ECA boutique service offerings are primarily at the
intersection of start-up, sustainable development, social enterprise
and investment sectors, advising them about legal aspects involved
in modern markets in order to keep our clients in pace with the
dynamic competitive environment.ECA is instrumental in advising
various social enterprises and start ups in setting up business in
India.
ECA not only have some of the best legal minds, but the best
business minds too: lawyers are intimately familiar with the
business environment, and know the emerging risks and
opportunities of their industries and practice groups.
ECA is also effective in providing match making partner/locating
strategic alliance, follow up and representation with Government of
India or any other incidental work related to investment or legal
guidance in India.
One stop legal boutique with service levels
at par with international law firms. Our
respected clients - from individuals to small
businesses to Fortune 500 companies --
turn to us for trusted legal counsel.
Full service delivery is achieved by
synergies of subject matter expertise of our
in-house Lawyers, Chartered Accountants
& Company Secretaries. We advise and
assist NRI’s/PIO’s, Foreign Investors and
Indian entrepreneurs with legal services
that enables them to compete with best in
world in the modern economy
characterised by technology based, venture
capital funded, futuristic businesses
governed by complex and ever evolving
legal and statutory framework.
www.equicorplegal.com

14. ECA’s Network
Presence
Our Practice
Areas
Corporate & Commercial
Banking & Finance
Real Estate
Project Finance
Employment & Labour
Litigation & Arbitration
Tax & Consulting
Corporate & Commercial
Banking & Finance
Real Estate
Project Finance
Employment & Labour
Litigation & Arbitration
Tax & Consulting
Corporate & Commercial
Banking & Finance
Real Estate
Project Finance
Employment & Labour
Litigation & Arbitration
Tax & Consulting
We specializes in verticals such as Nidhi,
Micro-finance, Energy, Start-ups, Social
Sector, PE, Retail Trade, Education &
Investment in India/Abroad
www.equicorplegal.com

15. Our Commitment
Value
 One stop legal boutique where assignments carried out at a fraction of the
cost of clients staff
 Reduce client staff management time and overhead costs, and increase
clients profitability
 Enable clients staff to concentrate on more interesting and value-added work
Service
 Robust management and procedures to ensure delivery on time and on
budget
 Dedicated one-to-one communication with client, to ensure every project is
right first time
 Full service delivery is achieved by synergies of subject matter expertise of
our in-house Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Tax
Consultants
Quality
 Two-level file review and signoff by expert Lawyers, even for the smallest
assignment
Value
 One stop legal boutique where assignments carried out at a fraction of the
cost of clients staff
 Reduce client staff management time and overhead costs, and increase
clients profitability
 Enable clients staff to concentrate on more interesting and value-added work
Service
 Robust management and procedures to ensure delivery on time and on
budget
 Dedicated one-to-one communication with client, to ensure every project is
right first time
 Full service delivery is achieved by synergies of subject matter expertise of
our in-house Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Tax
Consultants
Quality
 Two-level file review and signoff by expert Lawyers, even for the smallest
assignment
Value
 One stop legal boutique where assignments carried out at a fraction of the
cost of clients staff
 Reduce client staff management time and overhead costs, and increase
clients profitability
 Enable clients staff to concentrate on more interesting and value-added work
Service
 Robust management and procedures to ensure delivery on time and on
budget
 Dedicated one-to-one communication with client, to ensure every project is
right first time
 Full service delivery is achieved by synergies of subject matter expertise of
our in-house Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Tax
Consultants
Quality
 Two-level file review and signoff by expert Lawyers, even for the smallest
assignment

16. Our Core Strengths
 Dedicated team of legal professionals with strong deal exposure
and knowledge of regulations /compliances across multi industry
sectors.
 Proactive and structured approach.
 Well defined Project methodology tailored to suit the needs of
clients for service delivery.
 Talented team with experience of working with some of the largest
companies in India exposure to leading cross border transactions
in India.
 Experience & proven capabilities to handle Diversified Multi-
national Clients i.e. Information Technology, Energy, Manufacturing,
Consultancy, Oil & Gas Sector, Retail Trading, Hospitality, and
related sectors.
 Competitive advantage of costing by virtue of expertise and
experienced resources.
 Dedicated team of legal professionals with strong deal exposure
and knowledge of regulations /compliances across multi industry
sectors.
 Proactive and structured approach.
 Well defined Project methodology tailored to suit the needs of
clients for service delivery.
 Talented team with experience of working with some of the largest
companies in India exposure to leading cross border transactions
in India.
 Experience & proven capabilities to handle Diversified Multi-
national Clients i.e. Information Technology, Energy, Manufacturing,
Consultancy, Oil & Gas Sector, Retail Trading, Hospitality, and
related sectors.
 Competitive advantage of costing by virtue of expertise and
experienced resources.
 Dedicated team of legal professionals with strong deal exposure
and knowledge of regulations /compliances across multi industry
sectors.
 Proactive and structured approach.
 Well defined Project methodology tailored to suit the needs of
clients for service delivery.
 Talented team with experience of working with some of the largest
companies in India exposure to leading cross border transactions
in India.
 Experience & proven capabilities to handle Diversified Multi-
national Clients i.e. Information Technology, Energy, Manufacturing,
Consultancy, Oil & Gas Sector, Retail Trading, Hospitality, and
related sectors.
 Competitive advantage of costing by virtue of expertise and
experienced resources.

17. Equi Corp Associates, Advocates & Solicitors
1st Floor, NBBC, Inox Towers, Tower-B, Plot No.17,
Sector-16 A, Film City, Noida-201301
T: +91 1204797509
Mobile: +919958709189
E-mail: admin@equicorplegal.com
Website: www.equicorplegal.com/
Blog: http://equicorplegal.blogspot.in/
Equi Corp Associates, Advocates & Solicitors
1st Floor, NBBC, Inox Towers, Tower-B, Plot No.17,
Sector-16 A, Film City, Noida-201301
T: +91 1204797509
Mobile: +919958709189
E-mail: admin@equicorplegal.com
Website: www.equicorplegal.com/
Blog: http://equicorplegal.blogspot.in/