The journey of a fast-growth Indian tech startup: a case study in international trade and expansion
Tech startups are at the heart of innovation and global disruption. For an Indian techand Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) startup aiming for international growth, the road to success involves not only innovative solutions but strategic planning, robust financial management, and expert guidance. This case study explores the journey of a fast-growing Indian tech startup, detailing how we, as accountants and tax advisors, supported them through their early stages, fundraising, cross-border transactions, and international expansion.
The startup story: from vision to execution
Our client, a promising Indian tech company founded by a group of ambitious entrepreneurs, aimed to revolutionise the social media sector with a cutting-edge product. However, scaling a business from India to global markets presents unique challenges - particularly in raising funding and navigating cross-border tax and regulatory complexities. The founders understood the need for a solid foundation in financial management and strategic advice to make their vision a reality, and that’s where we came in.
Phase 1: initial setup and structuring
Our first step was to ensure that the company was structured correctly. We worked with the founders to choose the best legal and tax structure, ensuring it was optimised not just for Indian regulations but also for future international growth. From setting up the UK registered company to ensuring the proper handling of Intellectual Property (IP) and drafting shareholder agreements, we laid the groundwork for a scalable business.
As an Indian company aiming for international trade, it was essential to account for the complexities of cross-border transactions. We made sure the structure allowed for efficient operations in both India and potential new markets, like the EU and the US, while remaining compliant with UK tax laws.
Our deep understanding of both Indian and international tax laws allowed us to guide the startup on global tax optimisation strategies, helping them expand while minimising tax liabilities across multiple jurisdictions. We also advised them on Research & Development (R&D) tax credits, ensuring they leveraged all available incentives to fuel their innovation.
Phase 2: fundraising strategy: SEIS, EIS registration, and early capital raising
With the business structure in place, the next focus was fundraising. We guided the founders through the process of applying for Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) registrations in the UK, making the company more attractive to investors. These tax-efficient schemes were crucial for raising capital, especially when introducing investors from both India and abroad.
Our network of angel investors played a significant role here. We connected the founders with high-net-worth individuals interested in supporting Indian tech startups, enabling a successful pre-seed round and seed round. At the same time, we offered tax advisory services to help the founders navigate UK tax laws, ensuring they were optimally structured for future rounds of funding.
Phase 3: scaling up and navigating growth – private equity and cross-border transactions
As the company grew, we helped them scale their operations. The need for Private Equity (PE) investment was imminent as the founders began to explore larger funding rounds. We introduced them to PE firms, ensuring the company was prepared for detailed due diligence. During this phase, we also provided essential tax advisory services to ensure that they were compliant with the tax regimes of the countries they were expanding into.
Managing cross-border transactions became a critical part of the advisory process. Working with our Moore Global network colleagues, we ensured the company navigated the complexities of Indian Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations, optimised their transfer pricing strategy, and advised on cross-border VAT, ensuring that all international transactions were structured to avoid unnecessary tax burdens.
Phase 4: employment law and tax advisory for the owners
Alongside company growth, the founders needed ongoing support in employment law and taxation. We worked with them to structure tax-efficient remuneration for the owners, balancing salary, dividends, and other benefits to minimise personal tax liabilities. Our advice on share options and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) helped the founders incentivise key talent while maintaining tax efficiency.
This phase also involved advising on complex issues arising from being an Indian-origin startup with international operations, ensuring the founders remained in full compliance with both Indian and international employment laws.
Phase 5: international trade and expansion
With funding secured and operational structure in place, the company turned to international expansion. Given its Indian roots, the company’s global expansion required careful attention to cross-border taxation and international trade regulations. We assisted the founders in expanding into markets like the US, the EU and Canada ensuring compliance with VAT/GST regulations.
Phase 6: ongoing support – a trusted advisor for long-term success
Throughout the startup’s journey, we remained a trusted advisor, continuously helping the founders navigate the challenges of growth, mergers, and potential exits. While we have provided strategic advice on exit options, the founders continue to focus on building a unicorn - focusing on growth, scaling, and market leadership. Our ongoing support ensures that the company is always positioned for long-term success, whether they are preparing for an IPO or exploring other strategic exits.
Conclusion: a journey of strategic support
This case study highlights the importance of having the right financial and tax advisors by your side, especially when scaling a tech startup from India to the global market. Our guidance on company setup, fundraising, cross-border tax, and international trade helped the company not only secure initial funding but also grow sustainably in new markets.
As the company continues to build toward its unicorn status, we are proud to have been a trusted partner on their journey by helping them transition from a startup to a global success story. For Indian companies aspiring to grow internationally, a solid financial strategy and expert advice are essential to navigating the complexities of both domestic and international markets. For further information, contact Vijay Tanna, Partner at Moore Kingston Smith LLP on 020 4582 1890, or by email [email protected].
Shifting Currents: Tech, Trade, and Security
techUK’s Trade Campaign Week 2025 brings together industry voices, policymakers and thought leaders to explore how technology is reshaping the global trade landscape. Throughout the week, we’ll highlight key issues at the intersection of trade, security and innovation, from navigating geopolitical uncertainty to unlocking the potential of emerging tech.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
techUK's first delegation to India
techUK’s international team was proud to lead our first-ever members delegation to India
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
