Seed Funding Documentation.
Seed rounds in India are usually documented as equity shares, compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS), compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs) or, for DPIIT-recognised start-ups, convertible notes. US-style SAFEs have no direct equivalent in Indian company law and are adapted into one of these instruments. We prepare the transaction documents and the corporate and FEMA filings that make the round valid.
Typically 2–4 weeks from term sheet to allotment, depending on negotiation of the agreements, the valuation and whether foreign investment reporting is involved.
A partner — a chartered accountant or company secretary — from the first call to sign-off.
Based on your situation, and fixed in writing before any work starts.
Is this for you?
- Start-ups closing an angel, seed or first institutional round.
- Founders offered a SAFE or convertible note who want to know how it works in India.
- Companies taking money from non-resident investors, which must use FEMA-compliant instruments.
What you receive at the end.
- 01Instrument recommendation note
- 02Subscription agreement, shareholders' agreement and instrument terms
- 03Board and shareholder resolutions, offer letter and allotment documents
- 04Offer, allotment and resolution filings with the Registrar
- 05FEMA reporting on the FIRMS portal, for foreign investment
- 06Updated cap table and share certificates or demat credit instructions
Seed Funding Documentation, step by step.
Typically 2–4 weeks from term sheet to allotment, depending on negotiation of the agreements, the valuation and whether foreign investment reporting is involved.
- 1
Instrument choice
We compare equity, CCPS, CCDs and convertible notes for your round, considering valuation timing, investor residency and whether you hold DPIIT recognition.
- 2
Agreement drafting
We draft or review the subscription and shareholders' agreements and the instrument terms, such as conversion formula, discount, valuation cap and liquidation preference.
- 3
Corporate approvals
We prepare board and special resolutions, the private placement offer letter and, where needed, the increase in authorised capital and changes to the articles.
- 4
Receipt and allotment
Funds are received in a separate bank account; we draft the allotment resolution and file the return of allotment and resolution filings with the Registrar within the prescribed time.
- 5
FEMA reporting
For foreign investors, we confirm pricing and complete the reporting on the RBI's FIRMS portal within the prescribed window.
What we need from you.
Don't have everything yet? We send a short checklist after the first call and work with what you have.
- Signed term sheet
- Certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association
- Current cap table and register of members
- Investor KYC and, for foreign investors, residency and remittance details
- Valuation report, where the instrument or investor requires one
- DPIIT recognition certificate, for convertible notes
The fee depends on your situation. After a short call, the partner who will do the work tells you what's involved and gives you a fixed fee in writing — before any work begins.
- Government fees and statutory charges are billed at actuals.
- When you pay — upfront, in stages or on completion — is agreed in writing with the fee.
Questions about Seed Funding Documentation.
Ready to discuss Seed Funding Documentation?
30-minute confidential call — no proposal, no commitment. A partner will write back within one business day.