Established in 2010, Areness Consulting Pvt. Ltd. epitomizes the essence of a comprehensive law firm, steadfast in its commitment to delivering impactful services to the startup community. The dedicated team at Areness upholds the highest standards of excellence and ethics, consistently offering holistic solutions for legal matters. As a premier law firm, Areness remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled services that set industry benchmarks.
Through a powerful blend of collaboration, expertise, and a deep understanding of various sectors, products, and jurisdictions, Areness consistently delivers top-tier legal services across a wide range of industries. Serving leading corporations, financial investors, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and non-profit organizations, Areness firmly establishes itself as a leader in the legal field.
In navigating the complexities of the global landscape, Areness excels in resolving intricate transactions in areas such as bankruptcy, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. Their solutions, supported by thorough research and practical insights, contribute significantly to the success of clients in sectors including banking, finance, education, real estate, and telecommunications.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World, Shreya Jeet, Head of Public Policy at Areness Consulting Pvt. Ltd., highlights the value-added legal services provided to startups. She emphasizes how the company addresses the specific legal challenges encountered by startups, offering tailored solutions to meet their needs. Here are the key insights from her interview.
Q: What specific value-added legal services do you offer to support the needs of startups?
A: Areness Consulting offers comprehensive advisory and consulting services tailored to startups at every stage of their journey, from inception through expansion. Moreover, we guide them through the initial phases, assisting with incorporation and ensuring compliance with relevant government regulations, licensing requirements, and ongoing regulatory obligations.
As startups progress, conducting thorough due diligence becomes essential for understanding market dynamics and identifying target audiences. This involves evaluating intellectual property rights for products and navigating both state and central laws governing service provision.
Furthermore, as startups evolve and seek investment opportunities, we assist in crafting compelling pitch decks and establishing strategic milestones to foster sustainable growth and resilience. We support startups in structuring their operations for long-term success, including preparation for international expansion.
In essence, our services encompass a holistic approach, acting as accelerators for startup growth. We provide insights into addressable markets, analyze target audiences, and offer corporate innovation strategies tailored to each startup’s specific needs, such as consumer acquisition, retention, and growth. Additionally, we offer expertise in contract lifecycle management, legal advisory services, and market expansion strategies.
Q: What comprises the startup mix within your portfolio or offerings?
A: In 2019, we ventured into a partnership with Boult Audio, an Indian audio consumer technology company, catalyzing its transformation into a Rs. 500 crore powerhouse. Similarly, our collaboration with Sugar Cosmetics has been a source of profound satisfaction as we nurture and support emerging startups. Witnessing these ventures flourish not only validates our efforts but also propels our own growth journey. It’s remarkable how India has transitioned into a breeding ground for entrepreneurial endeavors, marking a shift away from the traditional employment-seeking mindset.
Formerly dominated by the BPO industry, today’s landscape sees a surge in college graduates driven by innovative ideas and the desire to carve out their entrepreneurial path. In this evolving ecosystem, professionals like us play a pivotal role, guiding and empowering these aspiring entrepreneurs. This shift embodies a collective pride in fostering innovation and contributing to the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Q: What specific goals or outcomes do you aim to achieve in the long term?
A: We are driven by a fervent desire to innovate, accelerate, and elevate ideas, positioning India as a formidable contender on the global stage. Our aspiration is evident as we acknowledge the world map and the proliferation of unicorns across diverse territories. This recognition fuels our determination to cultivate and champion our own unicorns, a testament to our commitment to excellence and our unwavering dedication to fostering groundbreaking initiatives that resonate on a global scale.
Q: Do you have any unicorns on your list?
A: Not yet. Every client holds equal significance to us. Without singling out any, we engage with a diverse range of clientele spanning from government to private sectors. Among them are numerous startups dedicated to innovative ventures such as circular economy initiatives. One notable example is a startup focused on biochar, actively engaged in green technology and striving for carbon neutrality. They collaborate closely with farmers, embodying ingenuity in their approach. Choosing a favorite among them is akin to selecting a preferred child for a parent. We also dedicate substantial effort to each client, earnestly wishing them success. Ultimately, our aspiration is to see each of them evolve into unicorns.
Q: Could you cite the name of one startup that you have assisted with legal challenges?
A: I won’t mention the specific startup, but I’ll illustrate with a case study. Issues persist in our professional lives, and it’s crucial to address them proactively. Recently, we’ve observed that amidst the rush to establish and launch themselves, startups often overlook the fundamental conflicts that arise, undermining their promising ideas.
To mitigate this, we adopt a neutral accelerator role from the outset. Our focus is on establishing clear milestones. For instance, in cases involving co-founders—often friends from college—conflicts may arise down the line. This is particularly common with CTOs in data-driven companies, given their ownership of intellectual property rights (IPRs). If a co-founder decides to depart, it raises questions about the distribution of these IPRs.
To preempt such scenarios, we facilitate co-founders’ agreements. These agreements are revisited annually, aligning with predetermined milestones. Equity distribution hinges on meeting these milestones. If the targets are met, equity flows accordingly; otherwise, it remains in a state of limbo.
Additionally, we offer solutions tailored to each startup’s unique requirements. This includes mapping out equity-based partnerships alongside partnerships structured around service delivery. In essence, these strategies represent innovative approaches aimed at fostering sustainable and harmonious business relationships.
