6 Essential Facts on Company Incorporation

What if I am a single founder?

A private limited company is an entity with two directors and two shareholders at the minimum. If you are a single shareholder, you can also bring in your mother, father or any other relative to be part of the limited company with just one single share.

Why do startups prefer private limited companies?

Simple. Startups set-up private limited companies so that they can raise venture capital funding and offer their best employees stock options. Without funding and stock options, it's almost impossible to build and scale a large business. Banks and other lenders would also much rather lend to private limited companies, as compared to sole proprietors.

What is the procedure to register one?

Initially, we help you get a digital signature certificate (also known as DSC), which is nothing but an e-signature to help you complete the registration online. It usually takes two days to get the DSC from the time you submit the documents. Next, we apply for the Director Identification Number (also called a DIN). This typically takes one day. The third phase involves selection of a name for your company. Now, do remember that your company name need not be your brand name. For example, Naukri.com has been incorporated as InfoEdge Technologies. Once done, we will prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association and apply for the Certificate of Incorporation.

How many shareholders can there be in a private limited company?

A private limited company must have at least two directors and shareholders, and can have a maximum of 15 directors and 50 shareholders.

How much do you need to invest?

Good news. You don't need to invest any money upfront. Most entrepreneurs do bring computers and other necessities at the very beginning. These can be the assets of the company. Private limited companies in India do not need to have any paid-up capital (that is, they do not need to introduce any money into the company).

What regulatory requirements are placed on private limited company?

As private limited companies are not traded publicly, regulatory requirements placed on them are fewer than on public companies. For example, they need not disclose their books of accounts. Because of this advantage, they need only worry about the long term rather than face the music from their shareholders in case their results in a particular quarter are poor.