Raising money is part story, part paperwork. We help founders and family businesses get investor-ready, meet the right investors and close the round on terms and documents that hold up.
Who this is for
Startups raising angel, seed or Series A rounds; profitable private companies raising growth capital from family offices or strategic investors; and businesses with an NRI or foreign investor who wants a clean, compliant entry. Through ProudLegal's investor network and investor meets, founders also get introductions, not just documents.
Getting investor-ready
Most rounds slow down at due diligence because records are incomplete. Before we approach investors we review the cap table, past share issues and their ROC filings, founder agreements, IP ownership (is the brand registered and is the code assigned to the company?), key contracts, tax and GST filings, and any litigation. Gaps are fixed first, so the data room is ready on day one.
We then help prepare the pitch deck, financial model and a one-page summary investors actually read, and agree a realistic valuation range supported by a valuation report where the law requires one.
Choosing the right instrument
| Instrument | Typical use | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Equity shares | Priced rounds | Simple; dilution at agreed valuation; valuation report for private placements |
| Compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) | Venture and foreign investors | Preferred rights and conversion terms; FEMA compliant for foreign money when fully convertible |
| Convertible notes | Early rounds for DPIIT-recognised startups | Defers valuation; minimum ticket and conversion period rules apply |
| Debt and structured instruments | Working capital, asset-backed growth | Security, covenants and, for foreign lenders, ECB rules |
Term sheet to closing
We negotiate the term sheet on the points that matter later: valuation and dilution, liquidation preference, anti-dilution, board seats, reserved matters, founder vesting and lock-ins, and exit rights. Then we draft or review the share subscription agreement and shareholders' agreement, align the Articles of Association, and complete the corporate steps: board and shareholder approvals, private placement offer, allotment, PAS-3 filing and share certificates.
Where money comes from abroad, the round must also follow FEMA: pricing at or above fair value, receipt through banking channels, and the FC-GPR report within 30 days of allotment. Mistakes here are expensive to fix later.
After the round
Investors expect regular reporting and clean compliance. We set up a calendar for board meetings, investor updates, ROC and FEMA filings, and keep the cap table and ESOP pool current, so the next round starts from a strong position.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fundraise take?
A seed round commonly takes three to six months from readiness review to money in the bank; diligence and documentation alone take four to eight weeks.
Do you guarantee investment?
No. No honest adviser can. We improve readiness, make introductions and protect your position in the documents.
Can NRIs invest in my Indian company?
Yes, on a repatriable basis under the FDI rules or a non-repatriable basis under Schedule IV of the Non-Debt Instruments Rules, each with its own reporting.
Is angel tax still a concern?
The tax on share premium received by unlisted companies was abolished from 1 April 2025, but valuation reports are still needed under company and FEMA rules.