We are a legal and finance firm with a deep focus on the startup ecosystem. We offer a wide range of services, including Virtual CFO, Legal Support, Tax & Regulatory, and Global Expansion assistance.
Our goal at Treelife is to provide you with peace of mind and ease in business.
We work with:
Startups
Investors
Global
Accelarators/Incubators
Streamline your startup's financial operations with our comprehensive Virtual CFO services. We handle everything from payroll and accounting to budgeting and tax compliance, allowing you to focus on scaling your business.
Navigate the complexities of legal requirements with ease. Our Legal Support services cover transaction support, contracts, M&A, IPR and disputes, ensuring your startup is legally sound.
Stay compliant and organized with our Secretarial Compliance services. We assist with entity incorporation, strike-offs, annual filings, and FEMA compliance, keeping your business operations smooth and hassle-free.
Optimize your financial strategy with our expert Tax & Regulatory services. We provide support for transfer pricing, tax advisory, equity restructuring, and financial modeling, ensuring your startup remains compliant and financially efficient.
Efficiently establish your Alternative Investment Fund with our comprehensive setup services. We handle fund setup, PPM, tax structuring, and SEBI applications, ensuring a seamless start.
Enhance your investment strategies with expert support in due diligence, transaction documentation, and company liaisoning, facilitating informed and strategic decisions.
Maintain smooth operations and strong investor relations with our lifecycle assistance services, including vendor liaisoning and continuous investor support.
Ensure a smooth and profitable exit with our exit support services, providing comprehensive documentation support and strategic tax planning.
Transform your business structure seamlessly with our flipping services. We offer structure conceptualization, tax and regulatory impact assessment, and execution support to ensure a smooth transition.
Leverage the benefits of GIFT IFSC with our tailored services. We provide evaluation, setup assistance, and post-setup ongoing support to facilitate your entry into this strategic hub.
Enter the Indian market with ease using our comprehensive India entry services. We assist with market entry strategy, setup assistance, and ongoing back office support to help your business thrive.
Expand your business internationally with confidence. Our global market entry services include jurisdiction evaluation, regulatory assessment, and execution support, ensuring a successful launch in new markets.
Treelife served as our integrated legal team, they streamlined contract closure and processes, provided expert business advice, and supported our growth journey. Their proactive approach and attention to detail were invaluable in navigating challenges effectively. We highly recommend Treelife to startups aiming for sustainable and efficient growth.
Jitesh and Garima helped set up WhiteHat Jr’s legal and financial structures that held from incorporation to fundraising to our acquisition. Their deep understanding of the startup space helped us validate our ideas from a regulatory framework and generated confidence among key stakeholders as we expanded our product in India and abroad.
We have engaged with Jitesh and the team at TreeLife on multiple assignments through our journey. TreeLife has been super helpful and have made positive contributions in multiple transactions spanning legal, financial and engagements involving our key acquisitions at Raise. We highly recommend associating with them.
Treelife’s support has been outstanding. Their advice is proactive, their turnaround time is impressive, and their industry knowledge is unmatched. They guided us through our ESOP policy implementation and negotiated and closed two equity fundraising transactions with ease. We highly recommend Treelife to any start-up entrepreneurs in need of legal, compliance and financial support for their business.
Treelife has been a great help in opening our subsidiary in India. Reactive and very professional, they ensure the good management of this subsidiary. We are very satisfied with the work they are doing.
Treelife provides us with critical insights into our business, allows us to make fast decisions and ultimately become more dynamic and competitive in the marketplace. To top it all off, the support has been brilliant, quick, helpful and personal. We are super impressed with Treelife. Recommended Treelife to my contacts.
On January 3, 2025, the Union Government released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 1 (“Draft Rules”). Formulated under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (“DPDP Act”), the Draft Rules have been published for public consultation, with objections and suggestions on the same to be provided to…
Introduction India has emerged as a global hub for business and investment, attracting foreign entities eager to tap into its dynamic and growing market. Whether it’s multinational corporations expanding operations or startups venturing into new territories, establishing a presence in India offers immense opportunities. However, along with these opportunities come…
Introduction Security of sensitive business information, protection of intellectual property and trade secrets and trust in collaborations are critical aspects of business security in an increasingly competitive and data-driven market today. It is to this effect that businesses typically execute non disclosure agreement (“NDA”), which imposes a contractual obligation on…
A health-tech company operating a digital clinic under the brand name ‘Proactive For Her’, providing a digital platform to offer accessible, personalized, and confidential healthcare solutions for women.
Review of Accounts and Tax Filing:
Fundraising (Compliance Advisor):
By leveraging our expertise in financial and compliance advisory, Treelife enabled ‘Proactive For Her’ to maintain accurate financial records, meet all compliance requirements, and support its fundraising activities. Our comprehensive support helped the company focus on its core mission of providing accessible and personalized healthcare solutions while ensuring robust financial and compliance management.
Treelife played a pivotal role in helping an Indian private limited company transition to a US-headquartered structure. By setting up an LLP in India and guiding the investment process under the ODI route, we ensured compliance with FEMA and income-tax regulations. Our strategic approach enabled the company to raise funds from foreign investors and expand globally with minimal tax implications.
Indian individual promoters had established a private limited company in India and sought to expand their business globally. They aimed to raise funds from foreign investors and transition to a US-headquartered structure.
By strategically structuring the investment and ensuring compliance with the latest ODI rules and FEMA pricing norms, Treelife enabled the company to achieve its global expansion goals. Our financial advisory services provided the necessary support to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and optimize tax implications, ensuring a smooth transition for the company’s international growth.
In just a few weeks, Treelife transformed the financial infrastructure of an innovative SaaS company. We set up efficient accounting systems, ensured seamless bookkeeping, and provided critical fundraising support. Discover how our strategic approach reduced their operational burden and enhanced their financial management.
An innovative insurance-tech company using technology and innovation to transform the traditional insurance model. The company offers a cloud-based platform that connects distributors to the insurance ecosystem.
Setting Up:
Bookkeeping and Accounting:
Fundraising & Vendor Due Diligence:
By leveraging our expertise in financial management, Treelife significantly improved the company’s operational efficiency and supported its growth journey. Our comprehensive services ensured that the company was well-prepared for investor scrutiny and ongoing financial challenges.
IFSCA listing regulations requires debt securities to adhere to international standards/principles to be labelled as “𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧”, “𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥”, “𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝” 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝.
As of September 30, 2024, the IFSC exchanges boasted a listing of approximately USD 14 billion in ESG-labelled debt securities, a significant chunk of the total USD 64 billion debt listings in a short period. This rapid growth highlights the growing appetite for sustainable investments among global investors.
Certain investors, particularly institutional ones like pension funds and socially responsible investment (SRI) funds, explicitly state in their investment mandates that they can only invest in ESG-labeled securities. To encourage and promote ESG funds, the IFSCA has waived fund filing fees for the first 10 ESG funds registered at GIFT-IFSC, to incentivise fund managers to launch ESG-focused funds.
However, this rapid growth also comes with a significant risk of “greenwashing” where companies or funds exaggerate or falsely claim their environmental and sustainability efforts.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 “𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠”?
However, with this rapid growth comes a significant risk: greenwashing. Greenwashing occurs when companies or funds exaggerate or fabricate their environmental and sustainability efforts to project a greener image and attract investors. It’s essentially a deceptive marketing tactic that undermines the true purpose of sustainable investing.
IFSCA’s Consultation Paper: Mitigating Greenwashing
Recognizing the threat of greenwashing, the IFSCA has released a consultation paper seeking public comment on a draft circular titled “Principles to Mitigate the Risk of Greenwashing in ESG labelled debt securities in the IFSC.” This circular outlines principles that companies and funds issuing ESG-labelled debt securities on the IFSC platform must adhere to.
Refer link for consultation paper: https://ifsca.gov.in/ReportPublication?MId=8kS3KLrLjxk=
Karnataka, a state in India known for its vibrant tech industry, has recently unveiled its Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2024-2029. This ambitious policy aims to solidify Karnataka’s position as a leading hub for GCCs in India and propel the state’s tech ecosystem to even greater heights.
What are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?
For those unfamiliar with the term, GCCs are specialized facilities established by companies to handle various strategic functions. These functions can encompass a wide range of areas, including:
By setting up GCCs, companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and tap into a pool of talented professionals. This allows them to achieve their global objectives more efficiently.
Why is Karnataka a Major Hub for GCCs?
India is a powerhouse for GCCs, boasting over 1,300 such centers. Karnataka takes the lead in this domain, housing nearly 30% of India’s GCCs and employing a staggering 35% of the workforce in this sector. Several factors contribute to Karnataka’s attractiveness for GCCs:
Key Highlights of Karnataka’s GCC Policy 2024-2029
The recently unveiled GCC Policy outlines a series of ambitious goals and initiatives aimed at propelling Karnataka to the forefront of the global GCC landscape. Here are some of the key highlights:
The GCC Policy has a clear and ambitious goal: for Karnataka to capture 50% of India’s GCC market share by 2029. Read more about the policy here.
In recent years, a significant number of Indian startups have chosen to incorporate their businesses outside India, primarily in locations like Delaware, Singapore and other global locations. This trend, known as “flipping,” offered advantages like easier access to foreign capital and tax benefits. However, the tide is starting to turn. We’re witnessing a growing phenomenon of “reverse flipping,” where these startups are now shifting their bases back to India.
This shift back home is driven by several factors, including a booming Indian market, attractive stock market valuations, and a desire to be closer to their target audience – Indian customers. To further incentivize this homecoming, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has recently introduced a significant policy change.
The MCA has amended the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements, and Amalgamations) Rules, 2016, to streamline the process of cross-border mergers. This move makes it easier for foreign holding companies to merge with their wholly-owned Indian subsidiaries, facilitating a smooth transition for startups seeking to return to their roots.
Key Takeaways of the Amended Rules
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits for startups considering a reverse flip through this streamlined process:
The Road Ahead
The MCA’s move represents a significant positive step for Indian startups looking to return home. This policy change, coupled with a thriving domestic market, is likely to accelerate the trend of reverse flipping. This not only benefits returning companies but also strengthens the overall Indian startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth within the country.
The Software as a Service (SaaS) industry is transforming how businesses operate, enabling organizations to scale rapidly, reduce costs, and enhance accessibility. India’s SaaS story is particularly compelling: once a nascent segment, the Indian SaaS market is now projected to reach $50 billion by 2030, contributing significantly to the global market valued at over $200 billion in 2024. The country is home to over 1,500 SaaS companies, several of which have achieved unicorn status, contributing to a market valued at approximately $13 billion in 2023.
In India, the SaaS ecosystem is experiencing an unprecedented boom, becoming a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. Treelife’s SaaS Blueprint: Unlocking India’s Potential with Industry Insights and Regulatory Guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the Indian SaaS landscape, delving into industry growth trends, regulatory frameworks, investment landscape, risk mitigation strategies, and key government initiatives driving the sector. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or an industry observer, this handbook provides actionable insights and a clear roadmap to navigate the opportunities in this vibrant and fast growing ecosystem.
If you have any questions or need further clarity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]
The Indian SaaS sector stands at the intersection of global opportunity and local ingenuity, ready to redefine industries with cutting-edge solutions. As businesses embrace technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning, the potential for innovation and impact is limitless. The SaaS model is projected to surpass $300 billion globally by 2026 – a testament to its scalability and adaptability. From CRM and ERP solutions to AI-driven platforms and industry-specific tools, SaaS caters to diverse business needs. In India, the sector’s growth is equally remarkable, with the market expected to reach $50 billion by 2030. Fueled by affordable cloud infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and supportive government policies, the Indian SaaS sector has become a powerhouse of global significance.
However, navigating the complexities of regulation, compliance, and market dynamics is essential for long-term success. With actionable insights and a deep dive into the regulatory framework, this handbook equips businesses and stakeholders to harness the immense potential of SaaS while staying compliant and resilient.
The handbook provides an analysis of the SaaS industry’s evolution, market size, and the role of technology in driving transformation. Key highlights include:
The legal and regulatory landscape for SaaS businesses is complex, with both domestic and international considerations. The handbook covers:
India’s SaaS sector has emerged as an attractive destination for venture capital and private equity investment, with the handbook providing:
The digital nature of SaaS exposes companies to unique risks, including data breaches and operational disruptions. Learn more about strategies to mitigate risk and build resilience through::
Aimed at fostering innovation and promoting adoption of SaaS, the Government of India has launched multiple initiatives and policies, the most prominent of which are below:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker, this handbook provides actionable insights to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the SaaS ecosystem. Key takeaways include:
Download the SaaS Blueprint today and take the next step in shaping the future of SaaS in India. For inquiries or further guidance, reach out to us at [email protected].
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have evolved from being a global framework for responsible business practices into a cornerstone of sustainable and ethical growth. In India, the prominence of ESG is rapidly increasing, with the total assets under management (AUM) of ESG funds reaching substantial growth of USD 1.17 billion (INR 9,753 crores) in March 2024. In fact, ESG could represent approximately 34% of the total domestic AUM by 2051.
These principles originated as a response to growing concerns on climate change, social equity, and corporate accountability. Today, they are critical for businesses aiming to align with international sustainability goals. Startups are uniquely positioned to integrate ESG frameworks into their operations from the outset, contributing to global sustainability objectives while enhancing financial performance. Improved risk management, operational efficiencies, and stronger stakeholder trust are among the many benefits of embedding ESG practices. Furthermore, companies with strong ESG performance are increasingly favored by investors, reflecting a global shift toward sustainable financing and prioritizing climate action.
India’s ESG evolution mirrors international trends while addressing domestic opportunities and challenges. Initiatives such as the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework and increasing green finance options have propelled India into the global spotlight. Startups can leverage these developments to scale responsibly, align with India’s international commitments, and position themselves as leaders in the evolving ESG landscape.
Tailored for practical insight, this handbook focuses on individual contributions to ESG as the building blocks for collective progress, enabling startups to align their practices with India’s international commitments and sustainability objectives, and to: (i) scale responsibly; (ii) contribute to global sustainability goals; and (iii) position themselves as leaders in India’s evolving ESG landscape.
This handbook is developed as a comprehensive look into the ESG framework in India covering the evolution of ESG in corporate governance, key components, the Indian regulatory landscape, accounting and reporting standards, and market trends. With case studies on Tata Power, Zomato and IKEA, the handbook also addresses challenges, investment opportunities, and the future of ESG in India. This handbook provides startups with practical strategies to integrate ESG principles into their operations, enabling them to align with India’s global sustainability goals and unlock opportunities for responsible growth. For further guidance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]
Alternative Investment Funds, often abbreviated as AIFs, have become a buzzword among sophisticated investors, especially High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs). As of November 2024, India has nearly 1,400 registered AIFs. This domain has witnessed remarkable growth, underscored by an almost 77% surge in commitments which escalated from Rs. 22.73 trillion in the fiscal year 2021-22 to a staggering Rs. 40.19 trillion in 2023-24. This growth translated to a substantial Rs. 17.46 trillion jump within two years! The total assets under management (AUM) of AIFs have grown at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 28% between June FY19 and June FY24s.
In light of the burgeoning AIF industry, its regulatory authority, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), hasn’t remained a silent observer. SEBI has proactively been fortifying protocols to guarantee investor safety, heighten transparency, and ensure fair practices within the AIF guidelines.
So, the question arises, what exactly are AIFs? And how do they function within the Indian regulatory landscape?
An AIF is a privately pooled investment vehicle that gathers funds from investors, Indian or foreign, for investment as per a defined investment policy to benefit its investors. With their promise of high returns across diverse asset classes, AIFs are attractive for those aiming to diversify and enhance their portfolios.
Some key terms used in AIFs:
Carry
Carry or carried interest is akin to performance fees which is paid to the investment manager as a share of the AIF’s profits which the investment manager is entitled to if they exceed a specific threshold return. Carry is typically in the range of 15-20% of the profits earned by the AIF in excess of the specified threshold.
Hurdle / Preferred rate of return
Minimum percentage of returns that an investor earns before the Investment Manager can catch-up and charge carry to the investor.
Catch-up
Catch-up allows the investment manager to earn the hurdle rate of return on its investment in the AIF but only after the investors have received their investment along with the hurdle rate of return on such investment.
Distribution waterfall
Provides for an order of specified priority in which the distributions are made by AIF which includes the capital contributions, fees, hurdle, catch up (if any), carry, etc.
Closing
Closing is the date fixed by the Investment Manager as a cut-off date to obtain capital commitment from investors.
In India, AIFs operate under the purview of the SEBI. Since their establishment in the late 1980s, Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) have been a significant focus for the government to bolster the growth of specific sectors and early stage companies. However, the desired outcomes in supporting emerging sectors and startups were not realized, largely due to regulatory uncertainties. Recognizing this challenge, in 2012, the Securities and Exchange Board of India unveiled the SEBI (AIF) Regulations. This was done to categorize AIFs as a unique asset class, similar to Private Equities (PEs) and VCFs.
Any entity wishing to function as an AIF must seek registration with SEBI. While there are various legal structures under which an AIF can be established – such as a trust, a company, an LLP, or a body corporate – trusts are the most commonly chosen form in India.
A typical AIF structure looks like the following –
The entities are:
● Settlor – Person who settles the trust with a nominal initial settlement
●Trustee – Person in charge of the overall administration and management of the Trust. In practice, this responsibility is then outsourced to the investment manager.
● Contributor – Investor to the Trust (AIF) and makes a capital commitment to the AIF
● Sponsor – Face of the AIF i.e. Person who sets up the AIF
● Investment Manager – Brain of the AIF i.e. Person who is appointed to manage the
investments.
It’s noteworthy that the roles of the Sponsor and Investment Manager can be unified, with one entity performing both functions.
Under the SEBI AIF Regulations, AIFs are classified into 3 distinct categories. Each category serves a unique purpose and is characterized by specific investment conditions and varying degrees of regulatory oversight. Below is an overview of the categories, highlighting their primary purpose and key conditions:
Apart from the categories mentioned above, any of the three categories of AIFs can be classified as a large-value fund (LVFs), provided that each investor is an “accredited investor” as per the AIF Regulations and invests a minimum of INR 70 crores in the AIF. LVFs have certain investment and compliance related exemptions.
Angel Funds also hold a distinct categorization under the AIF Regulations. These funds are a subcategory of Category I AIFs – VCFs, primarily designed to acknowledge and support the unique role of angel investors in the startup ecosystem. The key characteristics of Angel funds are summarized below:
Table 2: Angel Funds
Category I and II AIFs:
Category I and II AIFs are granted pass-through status from an income-tax perspective, whereby any income earned by these AIFs (other than profits or gains from business) is not taxed at the AIF level, but directly taxed as income at the hands of the investors as if these investors had directly received this income from the investments.
Unabsorbed losses (other than business losses) of the AIF may be allocated to the investors for them to set off against their respective individual incomes, subject to such investors having held the units in the AIF for at least 12 months.
Further, the distributions from Category I and II AIFs are subject to a withholding tax of 10% in the case of resident investors, and at the rates in force in the case of non-resident investors (after giving due consideration to any benefit available to them under the applicable tax treaty).
Business income of Category I and II AIFs is chargeable to tax at the maximum marginal rate (MMR) i.e. 30% plus applicable surcharge and education cess at the AIF level as per the legal status of the AIF and once this tax is paid, no further tax on the same is payable by the investors.
Category III AIFs
Category III AIFs have not been granted statutory pass-through status. Typically, they are set up as “determinate and irrevocable trusts.” This means the trusts have identifiable beneficiaries, and their respective beneficial interests can be determined at any given time. In such trusts, the trustee can discharge the tax obligation for the income of the trust on behalf of its beneficiaries (i.e., the investors) in a representative capacity. This is similar to the tax liability an investor would face if they had received the income directly. However, there’s an exception: trusts with any business income must pay tax at the MMR. As per income-tax law, tax authorities can recover tax either from the trustee or directly from the beneficiaries. Given this flexibility, a trustee might opt to pay the entire tax amount at the AIF level. Moreover, the law permits the trustee (acting as a representative assesses) to recover from investors any taxes it has paid on their behalf.
We have not covered tax implications for investment managers and sponsor entities above.
Private Placement Memorandum (PPM):
The PPM provides comprehensive details about the AIF. Contents include information about the manager, key investment team, targeted investors, proposed fees and expenses, scheme tenure, redemption conditions or limits, investment strategy, risk factors and management, conflict of interest procedures, disciplinary history, service terms and conditions by the manager, affiliations with intermediaries, winding up procedures, and any other relevant details helping investors make informed decisions about investing in an AIF scheme.
SEBI has introduced mandatory templates for PPMs (for and) which provides for two parts:
Part A – section for minimum disclosures
Part B – supplementary section to allow full flexibility to the AIF in order to provide any additional information, which it may deem fit.
There are two templates – one for Category I and II AIFs and the other for Category III AIFs.
Angel Funds, LVFs and AIFs in which each investor commits to a minimum capital contribution of INR 70 crores are exempted from following the aforementioned template.
Indenture of Trust / Trust Deed:
This document is an agreement between the settlor and the trustee. It involves the settlor transferring an initial settlement (can be nominal) to the trustee to create the fund’s assets. The Indenture details the roles and responsibilities of the trustee.
Investment Management Agreement:
This agreement is entered between the trustee and the investment manager. Here, the trustee designates the investment manager and transfers most of its management powers regarding the fund to them. However, certain powers retained by the trustee are outlined in the Indenture of Trust.
Contribution Agreement:
This agreement is between the contributor (investor), the trustee, and the investment manager. It mentions the terms of an investor’s participation in the fund, covering areas like beneficial interest computation, distribution mechanism, expense list to be borne by the fund, and the investment committee’s powers. SEBI mandates that the Contribution Agreement’s terms should align with the PPM and shouldn’t exceed its provisions.
This is the registration process if the Fund is set up as a Trust.
To register an AIF with SEBI, the fund needs to make an application to SEBI on its online portal.
The trust deed i.e. incorporation document of the fund where it is set up as a trust, needs to be registered with the local authorities. Further, the PAN needs to be obtained before making the application to SEBI.
The application to SEBI has the following key documents to be submitted:
Further, before submitting the application to SEBI, the AIF must engage a merchant banker who performs due diligence on the PPM and subsequently provides a certification that needs to be filed with SEBI. However, there’s an exemption for LVFs and Angel Funds for this requirement.
Once the application is submitted, SEBI will evaluate the application. Generally, the entire setup and registration process, including SEBI’s assessment, spans around four to six months.
Broadly, the process flow looks as follows:
AIF Process Flow
With their ability to diversify investment portfolios and provide potential high returns, AIFs undeniably present an attractive avenue for investment in today’s dynamic market scenario. The regulatory framework, set by SEBI, ensures transparency, credibility, and alignment with global best practices, further instilling confidence among stakeholders.
However, AIFs can be tricky to understand because of the different types, how they are taxed, and the many documents involved. It’s like trying to put together a puzzle with lots of pieces.
For both potential AIF managers and investors, understanding this intricate ecosystem is crucial. It is recommended to talk to experts who know the details. They can guide you through the process, help you understand the rules, and make sure you’re making the best decisions. As the world of AIFs keeps changing, staying informed and getting the right advice will be key to success.
Answer: An AIF is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from investors, either Indian or foreign, to invest as per a defined investment policy, with the aim of benefiting its investors. It offers diversified asset classes and promises potentially high returns, making it an attractive choice for High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and other discerning investors.
Answer: AIFs in India operate under the regulatory framework of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI introduced the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations in 2012 to categorize AIFs as a distinct asset class. All entities desiring to function as an AIF must register with SEBI.
Answer: SEBI classifies AIFs into three categories:
Answer:
Answer: Angel Funds are a subcategory of Category I AIFs – specifically Venture Capital Funds. They are designed to support the crucial role of angel investors in the startup ecosystem. Angel funds have distinct features like a minimum ticket size of INR 25 lakhs and a minimum fund size of INR 5 crores.
Answer: To register with SEBI, the fund must make an online application. Prior to this, the trust deed must be registered locally, and a PAN should be obtained. Key documents like the PPM, Trust Deed, and relevant KYC documents must be submitted. The entire setup and registration process usually takes around four to six months.
Answer: The typical cost for setting up an AIF in India ranges from INR 10 to 15 lakhs. The SEBI registration fees depend on the Category of AIF. However as per SEBI guidelines, the minimum investment in an AIF is Rs. 1 Crore.
Treelife provides comprehensive legal, financial, and compliance services tailored to the needs of startups, investors, and businesses. Our services include Virtual CFO, legal support, secretarial compliance, tax and regulatory advisory, and assistance with global market entry.
Yes, Treelife provides end-to-end support for setting up a business in India. Our services include market entry strategy, company registration, regulatory compliance, and ongoing back office support to ensure a smooth and successful setup.
Treelife has a robust track record of working with investors and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). We offer comprehensive support for fund setup, tax structuring, SEBI applications, due diligence, and ongoing compliance, ensuring smooth operations and successful investments.
Treelife offers a flexible and transparent pricing model tailored to the specific needs of your business. Our pricing is structured based on the scope and complexity of the services required and works on the following basis: project-based, where there is a one-time fee; retainer, with ongoing services for a fixed monthly fee; hourly, based on the number of hours worked; and an equity sharing model, where payment is made through a share of equity in your business. This approach ensures you receive the best value for your investment.
No, Treelife believes in transparency and ensures there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. All costs are clearly outlined in our engagement proposal, and any additional expenses will be discussed and approved by you before being incurred.
Yes, Treelife provides end-to-end support for setting up a business in India. Our services include market entry strategy, company registration, regulatory compliance, and ongoing back office support to ensure a smooth and successful setup.
Yes, Treelife offers extensive support for businesses looking to expand globally. Our services include jurisdiction evaluation, regulatory assessment, and execution support for market entry, ensuring compliance and smooth operations in new markets.
Yes, Treelife supports startups and businesses during their fundraising process. While we are not an investor or fund, we offer comprehensive services such as preparing investor-ready documents, conducting due diligence, financial modeling, and providing strategic advisory to help you successfully raise the capital you need.
Our transaction services encompass advisory and documentation support for various financial transactions, including private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) deals, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and venture debt. We ensure smooth and compliant transactions, from due diligence to closure.
Absolutely! Treelife specializes in supporting startups with a wide range of services. From legal support and virtual CFO services to secretarial compliance and tax advisory, we provide end-to-end solutions to help your startup grow and succeed.
Treelife provides comprehensive legal, financial, and compliance services tailored to the needs of startups, investors, and businesses. Our services include Virtual CFO, legal support, secretarial compliance, tax and regulatory advisory, and assistance with global market entry.
Treelife has a robust track record of working with investors and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). We offer comprehensive support for fund setup, tax structuring, SEBI applications, due diligence, and ongoing compliance, ensuring smooth operations and successful investments.
Our team at Treelife is made up of experienced professionals, including lawyers, Chartered Accountants (CAs), and Company Secretaries (CS), with diverse backgrounds in finance, law, compliance, and business advisory. Each member brings specialized knowledge and practical expertise to help our clients navigate complex legal and financial landscapes effectively.
Yes, we have extensive experience working with startups across various industries. We understand the unique challenges faced by startups and provide tailored solutions to support their growth, from incorporation to fundraising and beyond.
Treelife stands out due to our integrated approach, combining legal, financial, and compliance expertise under one roof. Our personalized service and deep domain expertise of the Indian market ensure that we deliver solutions that are both strategic and practical.
Treelife prioritizes the security and confidentiality of your data. We use secure servers, encryption, and access controls to protect your information. Additionally, our team adheres to strict confidentiality agreements and industry best practices to safeguard your data.
No, physical signatures are generally not required. Treelife uses secure electronic signature platforms to facilitate the signing of documents, making the process quick and convenient for our clients. However, if physical signatures are necessary, we will coordinate the process with you.
Your account will be managed by a dedicated SPOC who will be your primary point of contact. This person will coordinate with our team of experts to ensure all your needs are met and provide regular updates on the progress of your projects.
Treelife is equipped with a comprehensive technology stack to ensure effective and efficent way to deliver our services. For bookkeeping, we use Tally, QuickBooks, Zoho, and Xero. Our data management is handled through Slack, Dropbox, and Google Drive. For payment processing, we utilize platforms like Kodo, Razorpay, Keka, and PayPal.These tools enable us to provide high-quality, reliable services tailored to your business needs.
Treelife operates seamlessly with clients across various locations whether domestic or international through virtual communication and collaboration tools. We conduct meetings via video calls, share documents electronically, and stay in constant touch through emails and messaging platforms to ensure smooth operations regardless of your location.
Treelife offers a flexible and transparent pricing model tailored to the specific needs of your business. Our pricing is structured based on the scope and complexity of the services required and works on the following basis: project-based, where there is a one-time fee; retainer, with ongoing services for a fixed monthly fee; hourly, based on the number of hours worked; and an equity sharing model, where payment is made through a share of equity in your business. This approach ensures you receive the best value for your investment.
No, Treelife believes in transparency and ensures there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. All costs are clearly outlined in our engagement proposal, and any additional expenses will be discussed and approved by you before being incurred.
The turnaround time for our services depends on the complexity and scope of the project. During the initial consultation, we provide an estimated timeline based on your specific needs and ensure timely delivery through efficient project management.
Our payment schedule is designed to be convenient and flexible. Typically, we operate on a milestone-based payment system, where payments are made at key stages of the project. We also offer customized payment plans based on your specific requirements.
Treelife accepts various payment methods to ensure ease and convenience for our clients. You can pay us via bank transfer, or other electronic payment methods. Detailed payment instructions will be provided upon engagement.
Mumbai | Delhi |
Bangalore | GIFT City
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