DPIIT · ESOP · Cap Table & Startup Compliance
Build your startup on a solid legal and regulatory foundation — entity structuring, DPIIT recognition, ESOP scheme design, cap table management, and ongoing compliance from seed to Series B.
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200+
Startups advised
DPIIT
Recognition specialists
ESOP Ready
Scheme design & compliance
Seed–B
Stage coverage
Startup Advisory Services
Entity Structuring
Choose the right entity type (Private Limited, LLP, OPC) and shareholder structure — avoiding tax inefficiencies and investor-unfriendly terms from day one.
DPIIT Recognition
DPIIT startup recognition for angel tax exemption, fast-track IPR, and access to government startup schemes. JCA manages the DPIIT portal application end-to-end.
ESOP Scheme Design
Employee Stock Option Plan design — pool sizing, vesting schedule, exercise price, taxation optimisation, and ESOP trust structure. Compliant with Companies Act and FEMA.
Founder Agreements
Founders' Agreement, IP assignment, non-compete, vesting schedule, and decision-making rights — protecting all founders from day-one disputes.
Cap Table Management
Cap table design, maintenance, and modelling across funding rounds — tracking share classes, options, convertibles, and fully diluted ownership at every stage.
Ongoing Compliance
Startup-specific compliance calendar — annual ROC filings, board meetings, statutory audit, ESOP exercise, and post-investment FEMA reporting managed proactively.
How JCA Sets Up Your Startup
Entity & Structure Review
Review existing entity structure or advise on the best entity type for the startup's business model, investor plans, and tax profile.
Founder Agreement
Draft and finalise Founders' Agreement covering equity split, vesting schedule, IP ownership, decision-making, and exit provisions.
DPIIT Application
Assess DPIIT eligibility. Prepare and submit DPIIT Startup India recognition application. Follow up with DIPP for approval. Issue Form 80-IAC certificate for angel tax exemption.
ESOP Scheme Design
Design ESOP pool size (typically 10–15% fully diluted), vesting schedule (4-year cliff + monthly), exercise price methodology, and shareholder resolution for board adoption.
Cap Table Modelling
Build a detailed cap table reflecting current and projected ownership across funding rounds. Model dilution scenarios to help founders understand the impact of future raises.
Investor-Ready Docs
Prepare SHA (Shareholders Agreement), SSPA (Share Subscription and Purchase Agreement), and board/shareholder resolutions for the first institutional round.
FEMA & Post-Investment
After foreign investment: FC-GPR filing, FIRMS reporting, share allotment ROC filing, and cap table update. Annual FEMA reporting (FLA return) filed every July.
Compliance Calendar
Set up an annual compliance calendar — MCA annual return, AGM, statutory audit, ESOP exercise reporting, FEMA filings, and income tax. Never miss a statutory deadline.
Why JCA for Startups?
DPIIT Specialists
100+ DPIIT recognition applications filed — we know the portal, the criteria, and how to handle rejections.
Startup-First Pricing
Deferred fees, milestone billing, and equity fee options for pre-revenue startups with limited cash.
VC-Standard Docs
SHA, SSPA, ESOP schemes, and founder agreements drafted to standards accepted by institutional investors.
Investor Introductions
Access to angel networks and VC funds active in the South India startup ecosystem.
End-to-End Coverage
Incorporation, DPIIT, ESOP, fundraising, and compliance — one firm, zero coordination overhead.
FEMA Compliant
All foreign investment structured and reported correctly — pricing guidelines, FC-GPR, and FLA returns.
Fast Turnaround
DPIIT recognition in 10–15 working days; ESOP scheme in 7 days; founder agreement in 3 days.
Founder Advocate
JCA always represents the founder's interests — in deal negotiations, with investors, and with regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build your startup right from day one.
Talk to a JCA startup advisor — DPIIT, ESOP, cap table, and compliance.