The First-Year Compliance Calendar Every Startup Founder Needs

Investors read compliance hygiene as a proxy for operational discipline. Gaps that look small – a missed ROC form, an unsigned shareholder agreement – can delay due diligence by weeks.

At incorporation

Open a current account, appoint an auditor within the prescribed time, hold the first board meeting and issue share certificates.

Within the first quarter

Apply for DPIIT recognition, register for GST if applicable, and set up payroll with PF/ESI where thresholds are met.

Ongoing

Maintain statutory registers, file annual returns, and keep your cap-table and ESOP ledger current from day one.