IBS Consultants Corporate Legal Start ups – Structuring

Introduction

The Start up ecosystem in India has seen tremendous growth since 2010. With over 3000 start ups and 800 more every year, India is the 4th largest country after US and China. This reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit and risk taking disposition emerging in the country, with most of the founders profiling in the average age group of 32 yrs of age. This is further encouraged by the new Start up policy that has been initiated by our Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

While the entrepreneurs/founders have ideas that can be potential game changers, they need to be guided on the policies, procedures, regulations, taxation and other directives that can complement their vision. A start up thus has to deal with a number of issues to grow into a successful organization. In this article, we will look into one of the initial aspects that contribute significantly to the success of the Start up that is “Structuring”.

Structuring a Start up

Structuring in effect means designing/organising the Start up primarily from the point of view of:

·         Choice of legal entity

·         Choice of Jurisdiction

Choice of Legal Entity

Most of the founders/entrepreneurs come from technical backgrounds and need to be guided on the appropriate legal entity and various formalities as it gives the basic identity to the Start up and ensures it does not get into any future legal hurdles.

The Start up can choose from any of the entities below:

1.      Proprietorship: This works when the idea is new and you want to test at the proof of concept (POC) stage without inviting any investor and to avoid cumbersome legal compliances and expenses.

2.     Partnership: This applies when you have two/more partners involved with an idea. For instance when 2 or more enthusiastic IITians come together with an idea and want to do POC of the same.  This form again involves bare minimum legal compliances & expenses.

Both of the above involve a personal liability in case of any losses/failures associated with the start up

3.     Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): This is a very popular entity at the POC stage where the promoters can restrict their personal liability with few legal compliances.

4.     Company – Private Limited Company/Public Company: This is suitable for a more matured start up where the idea has been externally validated and is thereby moving on to the next level of growth. At this stage, an investor is typically sought for venture financing options.

Choice of Jurisdiction

A Start up can opt for inward structuring, whereby the promoter establishes the entity and does business within India. This option is best suited for local business, income & expenses. However, if your idea has a global appeal and has expenses to be payable outside India, then it may make sense to go for an outward structure, i.e. setting up the entity outside India.

Further if you are establishing a parent entity within the country or outside, you need to consider various implications. A Start up has to take into account the appropriate jurisdiction of the holding company as it needs to look into tax implications, adequate protection for its intellectual property, venture financing requirements, future potential of business to go global in which case the holding company may have to be shifted to an offshore location in future, and more. The decision has to be analysed from a long term perspective and accordingly structured at the initial stages. The Start up could also opt for an outward structure and choose a location/country with the preferred advantages. Singapore, for instance, has a number of government schemes and grants in various sectors and has also consistently topped the world rankings in ease of business.

In effect, structuring the right kind of Start up helps to mitigate future risks and avoid any complications that may arise while the Start up is nearing maturity.

In the forthcoming issues, we will cover other aspects affecting Start ups in detail.

This article is authored by A. Loganathan, representing India Business Solutions (IBS) which is a boutique advisory firm helping a lot of Start ups in India and Singapore in fulfilling their aspirations.  Loganathan is heading the Singapore operations of IBS and can be reached on loganathan.a@consultibs.sg. Website: www.consultibs.sg

The Debate Is Over: The Margarita Was Invented In Galveston

 

The inspiration for this margarita story was Robert Stanton's, Galveston: An Island of Firsts. Robert referenced Bob’s Galveston Island Reader, which was originally published in 1983. In Texas, Galveston had the first custom house, post office, opera house, and the list goes on and on.

But, what about the Margarita?

I’ve always heard that the Margarita was invented at The Balinese Room by Santos Cruz for singer Peggy Lee.

Today, I noticed this Facebook post that my friend Jack Morris, owner of  Third Coast Gallery, shared that stirred up the debate. What’s this about Paco’s in Taxco, Mexico?

Blasphemy!

So, I did some Googling. We have lots of competition for that title!

Smithsonian Magazine ran an article that discusses Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who claimed to have created the drink in a Tijuana restaurant. They then referenced another source that claims Dia Blue of Jose Cuervo Tequila fame invented it. Even a Texan was mentioned:  Margarita Sames, a Dallas socialite. But, what about our Santos Cruz?

Feeling hopeful, I found a story by Texas Monthly. Surely, they would get it right! Right?

Nope. They go on and on about some guy, Pancho Morales, who drives a milk truck in El Paso.  He claims to have invented it in 1942.

And, then I stumpled upon Wikipedia. Woohoo! At least Santos Cruz from Galveston got a mention.

I don't know who this merry band of narcissists are, and why the tequila and lime laced spotlight is on them. For me, the proof is clear.  110 proof like a good bottle of tequila.

As an Islander, I will proudly boast that Santos Cruz of Galveston Island, Texas invented the Margarita.

I dare you to prove me wrong. Give me your best salty shot. There's a comment box below.

Southbourne Positive Living Group - 11 Tips to Help You Think More Positively

In a study at the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota patients were given a personality test that assessed their levels of optimism and pessimism. The progress of the patients was measured over 30 years, and it was found that the optimists lived longer than average for their age and gender while the pessimists had a shorter than average life. Researchers found that optimism strengthens the immune system and helps people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Optimists feel better about themselves and take better care of themselves, while pessimists confirm their fears by having higher blood pressure, more anxiety and depression.

You can choose to have depressing, negative thoughts or inspirational, positive thoughts; your attitude determines your mindset, which in turn determines your behaviours and the outcomes in your life. Many studies show that you will achieve more, feel happier and live longer if you chose the positive option. Here are some tips to boost your positive thinking.

Believe in Yourself

Successful people start with a deep inner self-belief. It has been shown that self-belief is more important than intelligence, education or connections in terms of life-long achievement. The important starting point is your conviction that you are capable of significant achievement or that you have something special to contribute.

Set Clear Goals

If you have no destination then your journey is haphazard. If you write down ambitious but achievable goals, then you are already on the road to accomplishing them.

Form a Mental Picture of Your Success

Imagine yourself achieving your goals. Savour the experience of your book being published, of making the sale, of giving the speech to rapturous applause, of winning the race, of living your dream. As your mind comes to terms with this picture it will help you to put the steps in place in order to achieve it.

Take Ownership and Responsibility for Your Life

Don’t be a victim. Don’t blame others or circumstances. You are the captain of the boat and you decide where it goes and what happens. If you are unhappy with an aspect of your life, then form a plan to change it and take action.

Talk to Yourself

Become your own motivator by telling yourself positive things. For example: at the start of the day you might say to yourself, “I am going to do really well today.” Or, “I am going to make real progress towards my goals.” When things go wrong or you falter, don’t make excuses—say something like, “That was my fault, but I can learn from that setback.”

Eliminate the Negative

Use positive self-talk to overcome the doubts and negative thoughts that creep into your mind. Deliberately eliminate worries about difficulties and obstacles by taking a positive attitude, “I can overcome this challenge.” You do not ignore problems—you face up to them with a constructive and optimistic attitude.

Associate with Positive People

Among your friends, relatives, and associates there are probably some upbeat, positive, optimistic, dynamic people and some downbeat, negative, pessimistic or cynical people. Think about them for a moment and select examples of each. You should spend more time with the positive people and less time with the negative people. The optimists will inspire and encourage you, while the pessimists will feed your doubts and make you depressed.

Count Your Blessings

Draw up an assets and liabilities sheet for yourself.  If you are educated, employed, healthy, in a loving relationship, financially solvent etc., then put these on the assets list. If you are unemployed, ill, in a toxic relationship, bankrupt, etc., then put these items into your liabilities list. The chances are that your assets will far outweigh your liabilities. We tend to take all the good things in our lives for granted and focus on our failings and needs instead.

Find the Silver Lining

Learn to look for the opportunities in every situation that comes along. Many self-employed consultants will tell you that being made redundant was the best thing that ever happened to them. At the time it may have seemed a terrible blow but now they have found greater fulfillment and satisfaction in what they do. Every change brings good as well as bad, opportunities as well as threats. The people who do well in life are the ones who use setbacks as springboards for new successes.

Relax and Enjoy Life More

Lighten up a little. If you can laugh at things then you can cope with them more easily.  Don’t try to do everything at once. Don’t become overburdened with work. Deliberately give yourself little treats and do things that make you smile. Laughter is the best medicine—and the cheapest—so try to keep a balance between work, exercise, relationships and play.

Fake It.

If all else fails then fake it.  If you are really worried, nervous, or doubtful, then pretend that you are confident and self-assured. Stride to the lectern, smile at the audience and act as though you are positive, professional and successful. Acting the role helps you develop the attitudes and behaviours that go with the part. You can fool the audience, and more importantly, you can fool your brain—you will start to be the confident, positive person that you are acting.

If positive thinkers achieve more, live longer, and are happier than negative thinkers then why would anyone choose to be a negative thinker? The answer is that many people find negative thinking to be an easy option that is more comfortable and offers less challenge.  Do not fall into that trap. Think positively!

Southbourne Positive Living Group (SPLG) meets on the last Wednesday of the month (excluding holidays).

Join a group of like - minded people and rediscover the purpose and meaning of your life.

Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group Review: Choosing the right tyres for your car

Nowadays, there are many tyres available on the market and finding the best tyre for your car could be a bit hard, but no worries because Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group can help you regarding this matter without getting scammed since the company is dedicated to taking care of your car. With years of experience in car servicing, their team could provide good suggestions to you in choosing the right tyre for your car.

Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group is a family run company that offers reliable services such as brake checks, car servicing, MOTs, free seasonal checks, and of course, helping customers find good tyres for their vehicles.

Tyre&Auto can provide dependable help to you in choosing the right tyre in case you’re planning to renew them. The company also wants you to note that there are particular aspects that could affect your decision and it includes the size, climate and how you drive.

It is indicated in the wall of the tyre its size along with other important information. With it, you can also determine the date and place the tyre was produced, along with its speed and load capacity. You can also find other imperative details on the sidewall of the tyre such as its section width, aspect ratio or profile and its radius.

Factors that could affect the life of your tyre may include: mileage per annum is either high or low, or driving in inner city conditions rather than motorways. Depending on your given criteria, Tyre&Auto can help you with your choice even if you drive in a sportier manner, which could also affect the life of your tyre.

Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group is always prepared to answer any of your inquiries concerning your car wherein you could give them a call today or visit their local depot to meet their hard working team and discuss to them your concerns.

Japan Asia Group Limited Review: Share data

Current Situation of Shares of the Company

Major shareholders (ten largest）

Japan Asia Group is leading the way towards green communities, both locally and globally, through synergy among 85 subsidiaries, in four core divisions.

We have a proven track record of over 60 megawatts of solar PV from Europe to Japan. By leveraging our extensive group expertise, we can take our own locally-tailored renewable energy projects right from due diligence and financing, to design, construction and operation.

Our real estate solutions increase both asset value and environmental value with the latest energy saving and generation technologies, for both public and private sector clients, as well as disaster-resilient eco-town developments.

Oakmere Wealth Management Advisors Police Officers

Oakmere Wealth Management is proud to offer bespoke wealth advice to retiring police officers. We are experienced in working with retiring police officers predominantly within Cheshire Constabulary, advising them generally about how to restructure their financial situation, and also putting their mind at rest that they are doing everything they can to maximise their income in retirement.

We all have goals, dreams and ambitions for the future, for ourselves and our families, but how do we achieve them?

At OakmereWealth Management we aim to help you realise your ambitions - whatever they may be. As professional financial advisers we can help you make informed decisions about your financial future - short, medium and long term.

You will almost certainly have plans of one kind or another - buying a home, living abroad, perhaps retiring, but such ambitions have financial implications and you can't leave it all to chance. Careful planning aims to help turn your plans into reality and the sooner you start your financial planning the greater your chance of realising your goals.

There are so many issues to consider when planning one's financial future, whether you are just starting out in your career or are approaching retirement.

Working with Retiring Police Officers

Retirement presents a major crossroads in life, with important decisions to be made affecting families and long-term finances. This is especially important for officers who don't work again.

For those leaving the Police Service it is inevitably a time of great change and each retiring police officer's situation is unique. At Oakmere Wealth Management we take time to get to know the police officers and their families before we put forward any recommendations. Meetings are complimentary, informal, and are usually conducted in the familiar surroundings of people’s own homes.

You can rest assured that we will provide you with expert financial advice plus regular reviews and evaluations of your financial plan.

Contact Oakmere Wealth Management Ltd today for a no-obligation consultation about planning your financial future.

Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group Review: The perks of getting the services of a trustworthy car servicing company

There are a lot of benefits an individual could get by hiring a dedicated car servicing company since it could meet all your car maintenance and repair needs. From the time you got your own car, you must choose a company that you will trust for a long period of time just like Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group. Following are some of the perks of having the services of a trustworthy and committed car servicing company:

Longer lifespan

To have a healthy and long-lasting machine, it should be a clean machine first. Just like your own body because as long as you're taking good care of it, it will definitely stay healthy. If you want to prevent any unwanted rusts in your car's body or chinks in your engine, then you should perform a regular maintenance on it. Bringing back your vehicle to its “almost” factory-condition requires regular cleaning, especially after going through heavy snow or rain. Some people can do this task alone, while others prefer the help of professionals to ensure the great condition of their cars.

Preserved value

If you're planning to sell your car in the future, it will surely have a high resale value if it is well-maintained. However, a lot of car owners these days don't keep detailed and updated maintenance records because for them, it requires so much time. And this is where the role of a car servicing company becomes crucial because those professionals can do this task well for you. They can also provide regular reminders that will make you perform the required and scheduled tasks properly and on time.

Help prevent major problems

Cars are not perfect vehicles, after all, they may show some faults in the future such as defects caused by the effects of weather and nonstop use. Professionals who have expertise in cars can better determine those faults. Don't wait for minor problems to become major issues, which could lead to huge expenses down the road, be prepared and hire experts beforehand.

Technical expertise

Many ordinary car owners do not have the necessary technical skills and tools to maintain the good shape of their cars, so they settle for the services of a car servicing company such as the Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group instead. Rather than going DIY, they prefer a professional car servicing company to do some tasks such as wheel balancing, electrical repairs, and ignition timing.

Efficient record-keeping

In the hands of a professional car service provider, your car's maintenance and repair log will become valuable.

Companies like Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group can bring savings to an individual or a family because they can shoulder all the responsibilities involved in your car where they will also encourage you to do or focus on more productive tasks instead.

Take good care of your car so that it will maintain its good condition for a long, long time.