What a startup needs from finance, stage by stage
| Stage | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Incorporation to first revenue | Clean set-up: bank, GST, TDS, payroll, founder agreements, simple monthly accounts |
| Seed | Burn and runway, a credible model, the cap table, compliance for investor money coming in |
| Series A | Unit economics, cohorts, a three-statement model, a data room and due diligence |
| Series B and beyond | Board reporting, controls, audit quality, ESOP accounting and the first full-time finance hire |
How long will your cash last?
Runway is cash divided by burn, but burn is lumpier than founders expect: annual renewals, GST paid before customers pay, hiring plans. Build a weekly view:
The ten things due diligence finds most often
- GST returns that don't match the books
- TDS not deducted, or deducted and not paid
- Unfiled ROC forms and missing board minutes
- FEMA filings for foreign investment filed late or not at all
- ESOPs granted without proper approvals or accounting
- Founder expenses through the company with no policy
- Revenue recognised before it's earned
- Unreconciled bank accounts
- Related-party transactions without approval
- No fixed asset register
We keep all ten clean all year, so diligence takes weeks, not months.
Want a CFO to look at your numbers?
A senior CFO reviews your figures with you and shows you where to improve. No cost, no obligation.
What founders say
Lavancha Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd was incorporated in Jan 2013. Since incorporation we have been associated with SOATECH SOLUTIONS. It’s been extremely delightful customer service from Mr. Sharad and his staff at SOATECH. Especially for a Start-Up company they have been extremely co-operative and friendly during every interaction.
Thanks to CFOSurge, we now know exactly what each product contributes to our bottom line. Our sales team operates with clear geography-wise data, our accounts are well-maintained, statutory payments are handled systematically, and our inventory is finally accurate. They didn't just fix our books—they helped us plan for growth.
Soatech has been an excellent partner to ideasurge for the last five years as our one-stop shop managing Accounts, Audit and Payroll. In addition, they have been instrumental in coordinating with a prior accounting firm and getting us up to date with all regulatory and statutory needs. Soatech now seamlessly operates as an extension of ideasurge for all Finance functions.
Quoted word for word from our clients. Some quotes use our former name, Soatech.
Questions owners ask us
How much does it cost?
It depends on scope: the size of the business, the number of entities and branches, and how often your CFO meets you. Plans start from ₹50,000 a month. We fix your fee after a free assessment of your business, so you pay only for what you need.
When should a startup get a CFO?
Earlier than most think: a light virtual CFO arrangement from incorporation avoids expensive clean-up before the first round, and the scope grows with the company.
Can you support us on investor calls?
Yes. We prepare the model and answers, and join calls to handle financial questions.
Do you handle ESOP accounting?
Yes. We set up ESOP schemes' accounting and the disclosures investors and auditors expect, working with your legal advisers.
