Founded in 2001, TACT India Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as a premier business and security risk consultancy headquartered in Gurugram, with a strong operational footprint across the country. Over the years, the firm has evaluated more than a million risks, delivering critical insights to clients across sectors such as FMCG, IT/ITES, pharmaceuticals, banking, e-commerce, manufacturing, real estate, and automotive.
TACT India offers high-impact, end-to-end risk mitigation services—from brand and IPR protection to due diligence, executive search, security audits, and employment screening through its flagship TRACE Verification program. It also provides specialized protective services. Notably, its Defence & Aerospace vertical adds strategic depth with domain-specific advisory capabilities.
What truly differentiates TACT is its elite leadership. The core team comprises decorated ex-Armed Forces officers, senior law enforcement veterans, corporate legal experts, and IP specialists. This multidisciplinary expertise fuels the firm’s ability to deliver with both strategic foresight and operational precision.
Certified in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), TACT India aligns with global best practices in intelligence and compliance. Whether issuing strategic travel advisories or preparing organizations for crises, the firm enables clients to navigate high-stakes and volatile environments with absolute confidence.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at MSME Mahotsav 2025, Akhilesh Kapoor, Managing Director and CEO of TACT India Pvt. Ltd., delves into the unique risk management challenges faced by MSMEs. He outlines how TACT is tackling these issues with tailored solutions. Kapoor emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope of counterfeiting before investing in brand protection, highlights the growing adoption of brand protection and employee screening solutions, and shares key insights into the company’s current market positioning and long-term vision.
Here are the most compelling takeaways from that insightful dialogue.
Q: What specific risk management challenges do MSMEs typically face, and how is TACT India strategically addressing these through its solutions and services?
A: MSMEs today possess valuable products and brand assets that demand robust protection. At TACT India, we’ve supported several MSMEs with thriving brands that became targets of counterfeiting as their market presence grew. Imitations began flooding the market, threatening their credibility and customer trust.
To counter this, we designed and implemented a comprehensive brand protection program, deploying resources strategically across India—particularly in regions where the brands held significant market share and faced the most blatant infringements.
As a full-service firm, TACT India goes beyond traditional risk consulting. In addition to our risk intelligence and on-ground enforcement teams, we operate a dedicated in-house law firm, enabling us to deliver end-to-end brand and IPR protection solutions.
Our support for MSMEs also extends to channel partner due diligence. We help companies build reliable distribution networks by thoroughly vetting potential partners. This due diligence spans financial health, legal compliance, ethical standing, reputation, and funding sources—ensuring our clients onboard partners who align with their values and objectives.
Moreover, we offer ongoing partner monitoring, conducting audits annually or biennially as per client policy to maintain integrity across the supply chain.
Employee screening is another critical service we provide. Whether it’s pre-employment verification or post-employment background checks, we help companies at every level—MSMEs and large enterprises alike—hire and retain trustworthy personnel. For sensitive sectors such as IT, where handling confidential data is routine, our key employee due diligence helps ensure both data protection and compliance, especially when engaging with international partners.
TACT India also leads in digital brand protection. We actively monitor and act against counterfeits on social media, e-commerce platforms, and marketing channels to safeguard brand reputation in the digital space.
In essence, we deliver a holistic suite of risk and compliance solutions—tailored to the evolving needs of MSMEs and designed to empower them with the security and confidence to grow.
Q: How important is it for companies to first understand the scope of counterfeiting before investing in brand protection solutions, and how do you help assess this?
A: Before any solution can be implemented, the person facing the issue must first grasp the full scope of the problem. Take counterfeiting, for example. In most cases, companies remain unaware of how widespread the issue is—or the extent of the revenue they’re losing.
That’s why, when we begin deploying a comprehensive brand protection strategy, our first priority is to estimate the loss in market share. This insight provides a clear baseline to determine the appropriate level of investment in anti-counterfeiting efforts.
Moreover, we don’t just operate on a fixed-fee model. We also offer a success-based model, where our compensation is directly tied to measurable outcomes. You see the benefit first; we take our share only from the value we help recover.
Importantly, we guarantee that if you implement our recommended processes consistently over a reasonable timeframe, you will either retain your existing market share or reclaim what was lost to counterfeits. The results are tangible, not theoretical.
Ultimately, understanding the scope of the problem isn’t optional—it’s essential. Only then can you make an informed decision about whether the issue justifies action and investment.
Q: How widespread is the adoption of brand protection and employee screening services across industries, and is it still limited to large companies or expanding to others?
A: Brand protection services are still largely confined to the top tier of the market. Take counterfeiting, for instance. It’s directly linked to demand and brand positioning. The more sought-after your brand, the more likely it is to be targeted. If you’re the market leader, you’ll face the highest risk of counterfeiting—because success invites imitation.
Naturally, products and brands in high demand become lucrative targets for counterfeiters looking to exploit your hard-earned brand equity. Yet, the landscape is evolving.
Consider employment screening. It was once the preserve of IT and ITES companies. Today, it has spread across sectors—MSMEs, banks, manufacturers—all now actively use these services.
So yes, while brand protection remains a niche offering, its adoption is accelerating. Businesses that value their reputation—and have serious plans for growth—are increasingly recognizing the need for such tools. This shift reflects a deeper understanding: protecting your brand is no longer optional. It’s essential for sustainable success.
Q: How would you describe TACT India’s current market position, and what is your long-term vision for the company over the next 5 to 10 years?
A: While we offer a wide spectrum of services, there are certain areas where we’ve established clear market leadership. Brand protection is one such domain. We’ve been a leading player in India since December 2001—delivering consistent, reliable solutions for over two decades.
Our longevity speaks volumes. We’ve weathered market shifts, economic cycles, and global disruptions—proof that our services are not only stable but also trusted. Clients return to us, time and again, because we deliver measurable value.
Today, we maintain a strong pan-India presence and are actively expanding across South Asia and the broader Indian subcontinent. Our goal is to deepen our operational strength in these regions before scaling further, ensuring we continue to offer the same level of excellence.
Our clientele spans the globe, but many of our most engaged partners operate within these target markets. They include major FMCG brands, global bearing manufacturers, leading publishers, and others who rely on our two decades of specialized expertise.
Admittedly, the COVID era posed significant challenges. Demand for some of our services temporarily declined. Yet, we emerged resilient. Now, with renewed momentum, we’re confidently poised for steady growth in the years ahead. We’re not just here to stay—we’re here to lead.
