business valuation software

Business Valuation Simplified: Step-by-Step with Online Calculators

For startups about to get funding and for experienced entrepreneurs heading for an exit strategy, your business valuation can decide everything. These days, you can find your business’s value without being a financial expert or working with expensive consultants. Thanks to modern business valuation software, anyone from entrepreneurs to financial advisors now can assess a business’s value quickly, accurately, and confidently

 Here with the help of this blog,you will learn about the way to use internet-based calculators for determining and taking advantage of your company valuation.

What Is Business Valuation?

Business valuation  refers to finding out the financial value of a business. It demonstrates how much your company might cost in the current market. Here, financial numbers, facts about the market, potential for growth, the company’s assets, liabilities, and intangibles like its reputation and important ideas are assessed.

In fact, this number serves as a base for better decision-making. No matter if you’re seeking capital, arranging a partnership, or planning to acquire another business, your company’s valuation matters a lot.

Why Does Business Valuation Matters?

Here are the reasons why all entrepreneurs should use valuation:

  • If the business valuation is correct, it helps investors figure out what they are investing in.
  • Start by assessing your current market position and then plan your company’s movements for better expansion, increased sales, or possible diversification.
  • If you are either buying or selling, understanding valuation is very important in the negotiation.
  • When conducting and arranging an estate, or dealing with tax audits, you might have to obtain a professional valuation.
  • Using valuation, you can notice the consequences of your choices on the company’s development.

With startup valuation tool, this process becomes accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes.

Common Business Valuation Methods:

Most reliable business valuation tool integrates one or more of the following standard methods:

1. Income Approach (Discounted Cash Flow – DCF)

Forecasts cash flows that will happen in the future and adjusts them to the present time. The method is best suited to startups and growing companies that have reliable revenues.

2. Market Approach:

Assess your company in the same way as other businesses that were just recently sold. It is focused on several factors such as revenue and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation).

3. Asset-Based Approach:

The net asset value is obtained by taking away the total liabilities from total assets. This way of dealing with debt is good for businesses that possess significant assets.

4. Earnings Multiplier Method:

Earnings are multiplied with industry standards to find the company’s value. Industries everywhere use it without much difficulty.

Modern Company valuation calculator often uses a blended approach to improve accuracy and relevance.

Best Online Business Valuation Calculators (2025)

With many options on the market, choosing the right business valuation program is key. Meet the leading tools that we can expect in 2025:

1. Business Valuation Calculator – FundTQ:

FundTQ has become well known in India’s valuation software industry, being popular among both startups and small and medium-sized businesses. This approach mixes DCF, earnings multipliers, and learning from what other firms in similar industries do.

Pros:

  • The app was given free access to those using it in its first phase.
  • It is easy to use for people without financial backgrounds.
  • Structures for the financial world in India

Cons:

  • There is not a lot of history to connect data from.
  • For you if: You are starting from scratch with your organization and don’t have the budget for major expenses

2. Valutico

Valutico is an enterprise-grade business valuation tool built for financial professionals. It gives you access to more than fifteen types of valuations and lets you compare your business with rivals internationally.

Pros:

  • Financial analysis that is thorough and well created
  • Such competencies benefit those working in investment banking, PE, and M&A.

Cons:

  • Premium pricing
  • You must have financial knowledge to handle your business well.
  • This report is most recommended for big organizations, financial experts, and consultants.

3. MoneySoft

Financial experts such as CPAs and financial advisors use MoneySoft because it’s a desktop app for valuation. With it, users can prepare scenarios, manage taxes, and create financial forecasts.

Pros:

  • Advanced financial modeling instruments
  • This is especially useful for following regulations and planning your taxes.

Cons:

  • Not cloud-based
  • This is created mainly for those with experience in hacking.
  • Accountants, CFOs, tax professionals will find this system most useful.

4. BizEquity

With BizEquity, the process of valuing small and medium-sized enterprises is simple and done quickly through the internet. Most financial advisors and insurance companies rely on this information to help their clients.

Pros:

  • There are white-label options available on the cloud platform.
  • Valuing clients’ accounts in a speedy manner

Cons:

  • It is not always possible to customise the tool for difficult scenarios.
  • This is mostly useful for advisors and insurance brokers, as well as small companies.

5. ValuAdder

You can use ValuAdder to assess your business using more than 15 types of valuation methods, such as those for intellectual property and franchises. One of the reasons it’s known is because of how easy it is to automate reports.

Pros:

  • Scenario testing
  • The industry favours businesses based on intellectual property or licenses.

Cons:

  • Outdated interface
  • It is more challenging to master the skills with cryptography.
  • Mainly Beneficial For: People who run a franchise and IP consultants, especially advanced users.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Business Valuation Is Important For Investors?

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Valuation Calculator

To give an example, we will show you how to use the business valuation calculator on FundTQ.

Step 1: Choose Your Industry and Business Type:

The first thing to do is choose the field and kind of business you are interested in.This supports the software’s ability to select proper standards for setting prices.

 Step 2: Enter Financials:

The second step is to enter the company’s financial information.

Add in your business’s revenue, its expenses, and the profits it makes.

Step 3: Set Growth Expectations:

Provide information on growth in the upcoming years, rates of customer churn, and other predictions.

Step 4: Review Valuation Summary:

Review the Valuation Summary when you have completed all the tasks above.Through several models, FundTQ can give you an estimated price with a low, medium, and high figure.

Step 5: Download Report:

Access a PDF file you can share that has graphs, a description of the approach used, and the breakdown of your value.

Most business valuation software follows a similar flow—simple inputs, clear results.

Advice to Ensure Your Valuation Is On Point:

  • Use the Latest Financial Data:Work with the latest data for your finances; using past data won’t give you correct answers. Update quarterly.
  • Stay Realistic with Projections: Setting false goals could impact the outcome and misguide people tracking the company’s progress.
  • Include Intangible Assets: Remember to have brand power, patent holdings, loyal customers, and a positive reputation in your SEO efforts.
  • Understand Multipliers:Find out what the usual Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortizatio. or revenue multiples are in your type of business.
  • Cross-Verify Using Multiple Tools: You should not just use the same calculator every time. Make your graphs by picking a few of the best cases rather than many detailed cases.

Modern business valuation software often provides side-by-side comparisons to help you see multiple perspectives.

Also Read:  Typical Ticket Size Raised Through Investment Banks

What Investors Look for in a Valuation?

While explaining your valuation to investors, always keep in mind that the value goes beyond a figure. They’re evaluating:

  • Credibility of Method Used: Is the way you value businesses logical and does it make use of appropriate models?
  • Market Opportunity:Is the business active in an industry that is getting larger or smaller?
  • Revenue Quality:The quality of revenue is better when it is recurring rather than coming in one time only.
  • Scalability:Can the organisation expand its operations without having to pay much more?
  • Exit Potential:Does the business plan include the possibility of the investor earning a good profit within 5–10 years?

Using professional business worth estimator helps make your case with data, not just ambition.

Should You Use a Valuation Calculator for Fundraising?

Absolutely,but it’s important to stay aware of these things.

Online Valuation software for startups like FundTQ are great starting points for:

  • Creating your investor pitch
  • Measuring your achievements
  • Checking how the business can react to various events

But for series A and the following stages, investors generally ask for formal valuations, audited financial statements, and reports from other parties. Take advantage of calculators as a starting point, yet make sure to check with a professional when you are playing with huge amounts.

Conclusion: 

Figuring out your business’s true value can now be easily achieved. With the rise of intuitive and powerful Pre-money valuation calculator, entrepreneurs now have access to tools that were once limited to investment bankers.

When you decide on the platform that matches your present situation and plans, choose FundTQ that aims at knowing your value and gives you the strength to achieve success and achieve your goals.

 

Average Ticket Size

What Is the Typical Ticket Size Raised Through Investment Banks?

Why Investment Banks Still Hold the Power in Big Deals?

When someone wants to attract investors, sell a company or make a strategic merger, they usually rely on the help of investment banks. However, one thing always comes to mind: How big are the typical transactions these banks manage? No matter if the investment is for a huge merger or a simple funding round, the average ticket size raised by banks shows the market’s confidence and how the economy is heading.

Let’s discuss how common investment banking deals sizes are, their structure and how they change depending on where and in which industries they happen.

What Does “Ticket Size” Mean in Investment Banking?

Basically, average ticket size means the entire capital involved in a transaction handled by an investment bank.

Whether it’s an IPO, a private equity round, debt syndication, or a merger, the typical investment bank ticket size depends on:

  • Company size can range from a startup, SME (small to medium enterprise) or large enterprise.
  • Decide if you are doing an M&A, issuing equity or raising debt.
  • Business fields and economic industry
  • Country or area

As an illustration, investing through private equity means dealing with amounts from ₹40 crore to ₹4,000 crore, whereas an IPO could go beyond ₹8,000 crore.

Why Ticket Size Matters?

  • Allows us to assess potential investors such as angels, VCs, PEs and others.
  • It impacts how much the company is worth and reduces the value of equity currently held.
  • Sets the rules for how complex treatment is needed and what is needed for monitoring
  • Changes the outlook of investors and determines the future development strategy.

Bonus Tip:
If you’re a startup founder struggling with business valuation or pitch decks, avoid relying on free online tools and templates. Most free valuation calculators use generic assumptions and overlook the unique strengths of your business. Similarly, pitch deck templates for startups often lack the customisation and investor insight needed to stand out. For serious fundraising, invest in expert-driven tools or consult professionals like FundTQ — where strategy meets execution.

Types of Tickets Invested into Startups by their Funding Level:

Indian investment bankers deal with different sizes of investments depending on the stage of growth. Let’s now discuss what makes up the average ticket size.

Seed Round and Early Stage

  • Many buybacks involve an average amount of ₹80 lakhs to ₹15 crores.
  • Some kinds of investors include angel investors, seed funds and early-stage VCs.
  • Main objectives: Build the MVP and start discovering how successful the new app will be in the market

The Series A and B Rounds

  • Most tickets purchased were for investments of ₹20 crores – ₹100 crores.
  • Investor types include Institutional VCs as well as strategic investors.
  • Aim: To expand the business, promote it and recruit more staff

End stage and Pre-IPO

  • The average value of film tickets reaches from ₹150 crore to ₹800 crores.
  • The capital comes from private equity groups, mega venture funds and hedge funds.
  • The main reason is to broaden the company’s reach, carry out acquisitions and prepare for an initial public offering.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Where Crores Become Thousands

Average M&A deal size usually involve the most significant amounts of money. Many deals such as Tata’s Air India or Reliance’s startup purchases, typically have values in the thousands of crores.

1. Small Cap Mergers and Acquisitions

  • The size of the company’s ticket is less than ₹400 crore.
  • Handled by smaller companies located in a certain area

2. Mid-market deals in the M&A space

  • The ticket size can be anything between ₹400 crore and ₹4,000 crore.
  • Banks that belong to the mid-tier or major national advisory firms

3. This approach is also called M&A with Large-Cap companies

  • The ticket size for this bond will be between ₹4,000 crore and ₹40,000 crore.
  • International firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Axis Capital are responsible for them.

Globally, the average M&A deal size stands around ₹1,200 crore, though India sees a wide spectrum depending on industry and policy climate.

Factors That Influence Ticket Size

How much a business is worth is referred to as its business valuation.

Business Valuation:
Valuing the company high lets you raise more capital without giving up a big percentage of the business. Just offering 20% of its equity enables a startup that is valued at ₹300 crores to raise ₹60 crores.

Industry Type:
Businesses that depend on resources (such as renewable energy and manufacturing) usually need bigger investments.
Asset-light models like SaaS and similar platforms grow when they need less initial capital.

Market Conditions:
Increased interest in the market leads to bigger investment shares from buyers.
If the market is sluggish or there is uncertainty about policies, investors generally invest less money.

Investor Type:
Investments from Angel investors can be between ₹10 lakhs and ₹2 crores.
Funds range from ₹5 crores to ₹100 crores provided by Venture Capital firms
M&A and IPO services are an important part of investment banks’ operations and they charge fees ranging from ₹50 crores to over ₹1000 crores.

Also Read: Top 5 Fundraising Mistakes Startups Make – And How to Avoid Them

How the Standard Size of Tickets Performs Compared to Other Global Laws?

  • This is how tickets are usually priced across different regions, shown in rupees:
  • In the USA, the market can be worth between ₹100 million and ₹1 trillion.
  • In Europe, funds available are ranging from ₹600 crore to ₹40,000 crore
  • In China & Southeast Asia, the investment is likely to be anywhere between ₹400 crore and ₹20,000 crore.
  • ₹80 crore is the smallest amount and the largest figure is ₹20,000 crore for India.

Because of startups and mid-market companies being bought and sold, there is a lot of growth in the ₹100 crore – ₹2,000 crore range in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.

How to Prepare Your Business for Large Funding Rounds?

Strengthen Financials:

  • For at least 3 years, keep all your financial records showing what has been audited.
  • Make sure your earnings keep rising, margins get better and return on investment improves.

Create a Solid Pitch Deck:

  • Ensure that your pitch deck is well developed and easy to understand.
  • Be sure to include the following in your investor presentation.
  • Company’s vision and mission
  • Size of the market (TAM/SAM/SOM)
  • The way financial projections are done and money is used
  • Bio of the founders and information about the team

Work with the Right Investment Bank:

  • Choose bankers who display the characteristics you want.
  • Concentrate on your area of work which can be tech, manufacturing or retail.
  • We have managed to close tickets with similar sizes previously
  • Can advise companies for a while after they get funds.

How Investment Banks Help in Big Capital Raises?

They do more than just act as intermediaries. They handle the creation of significant funding deals.

  • Valuation: They find out the true value of your company
  • Due Diligence: Checking the company’s finances, legal matters and overall operations thoroughly
  • Structuring: Equity, debt or convertible which is the right choice for your business is chosen accordingly .
  • Investor Reach: They target your deal to a global audience of high-net-worth investors, VC groups and funds.
  • Compliance: During IPOs, they assist companies when complying with SEBI guideline

An investment bank will help you improve the valuation and control the risks of ₹50 crore just the same as ₹5,000 crore.

Typical Investment Bank Ticket Size by Type of Firm

Typical Investment Bank Ticket Sizes have different limits on the deals they accept. Here’s how it looks in INR:

Firm Type Typical Ticket Size (INR):

  • Global Bulge Brackets range from ₹4,000 crore to more than ₹80,000 crore.
  • Mid-Tier Banks from India usually fall between ₹400 crore – ₹4,000 crore.
  • Earnings of Boutique Advisory Firms are generally between ₹20 crore and ₹500 crore irrespectively .

Smaller companies, including startups, first work with smaller institutions and then move on to banks with more capital as they require more resources.

Learn About: Future of Investment Banking in India

Conclusion:

In conclusion ,understanding ticket size is very important.

To know the average ticket size in investment banking is like understanding the health of the market. It helps organisations secure the money they need, guide expectations from investors and create strategies for upcoming growth.

Whether you’re aiming for a ₹100 crore growth round or a ₹10,000 crore IPO, knowing the typical investment bank ticket size keeps your fundraising goals aligned with market norms.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ticket size equals the value of a deal: investment, M&A or capital raise.
  • Average M&A deal size globally ≈ ₹1,200 crore; India varies widely
  • Investment banks ensure the setup, assess the fees and finish deals of all kinds.
  • Currently, funding rounds in India involve amounts of cash between ₹4 crore and ₹8,000 crore+
  • The size of a business is often influenced by what is happening within the sector, the stage of development and the market aspects.

FAQs

1. What price is put up for an Indian IPO ticket?
An initial public offering (IPO) can be anything between ₹500 crores and ₹8,000+ crores, with the valuation of the company and investor interest playing key roles in the whittling down or up of the gross issue price.

2. Do investment banks work on deals under ₹50 crore?
That is especially the case for boutique and regional investment banks.

3. How does the sector impact ticket size?
Real estate and technology projects normally require large amounts of start-up money, but the service and retail sectors are often less expensive to get off the ground.

4. What’s the average investment bank capital raise size in India?
The figure may go from ₹160 crore to ₹8,000+ crore depending on what kind of transaction it is and how established the company is.

5. Are ticket sizes higher in debt or equity deals?
Because of the lower risk involved and larger borrowing figures, most debt raises are more than (₹800 crore+).

Role-of-investment-banks

How Do Investment Banks Help Structure Large Funding Rounds?

Raising a large amount of capital isn’t just about approaching investors for funds. The process covers study, analysis of risk, negotiations, completing the required documents, compliance and respecting deadlines. Investment banks are there to help in these situations. The financial industry depends on the role of investment banks to secure funding when unicorn startups pursue mega rounds or mid-sized organisations expand into new markets.

This blog covers the ways investment banks provide assistance in structuring funding rounds and large capital raises.

What Is the Role of Investment Banks in a Large Capital Raise?

The role of Investment banks provides financial guidance alongside deal management services. Investment banks primarily focus on obtaining necessary capital for their clients through three main methods:

  • Divesting business assets in exchange for capital.
  • Receiving financial funds through debt
  • Important low-time and low-risk instruments include convertible notes and others.

Investment banks manage the following for significant capital raises:

  • Organising and setting up the funding round
  • Locating suitable lenders or investors
  • Terms of negotiation
  • Managing legal and regulatory tasks
  • Ensuring the funding aligns with current market conditions.

To put it briefly, they serve as intermediaries between businesses and capital, supported by extensive financial knowledge.

Also Read: Future of Investment Banking in India 

How Do Investment Banks Assist in Funding Round Structure?

Creating funding rounds entails deciding what kind of funding will be raised, how much, from whom, at what price, and under what conditions.

Investment banks can assist with this in the following ways:

1. Evaluating Needs for Capital

They begin by assessing:

  • How much money the business actually needs
  • What it will be used for, such as working capital, R&D, expansion, and M&A
  • Whether it would be better to use debt, equity, or a combination.

2. Selecting the Funding Route

They determine the round’s structure:

  • Is private equity the best option? A matter of public concern? Convertible debt?
  • What kind of securities or shares ought to be made available?

3. Pricing and Appraisal

Investment banks assist in making decisions in the following ways:

  • What is the company’s fair valuation?
  • For the required capital, how much equity should be given up?
  • To determine a price that investors will accept, they employ a number of techniques, including precedent transactions, comparables, and discounted cash flow (DCF).

4. Setting Up the Rounds

Funding is frequently staged in tranches during large raises. Banks organise this so that:

  • Reduces dilution
  • corresponds with the company’s growth benchmarks
  • Maintains Investor Confidence

In short,even a promising business may find it difficult to successfully raise significant capital without appropriate structuring.

How Do Investment Banks Find the Right Investors?

The role of investment banks takes more than just making calls to raise 500 crore or 1,000 crore; it takes targeted matchmaking.

Investment banks stay in touch with:

  • Private equity funds and venture capital
  • The funds of sovereign wealth
  • Institutional investors
  • Family Offices 
  • High-net-worth individuals, or HNIs,

They compile lists of investors using:

  • Sector of interest
  • Prior investment performance
  • Appetite for ticket size
  • The ability to tolerate risk

After that, they save time and improve results by pitching your business to the appropriate investors.

What Materials Do They Prepare for Fundraising?

To make your business appear investment-ready, investment banks create a comprehensive set of documents. These consist of:

  • Pitch deck for investors
  • Information memorandum (IM)-A lengthy business profile that includes financials, strategy, market outlook, and risks 
  •  Financial model: Cash flow, balance sheet, and projected P&L
  • Value sheet: Rationalising the cost
  • Term sheet: The proposed deal’s draft structure.

In short,these documents are essential for establishing investor confidence and initiating due diligence.

How Do Investment Banks Manage the Actual Capital Raise?

Once the materials and strategy are prepared, investment banks:

  • Present your opportunity to attract and engage prospective investors.
  • Conduct investor meetings, presentations, and Q&A.
  • Handle conflicting term sheets if several investors express interest.
  • Discuss terms of the deal, such as control, valuation, and exit clauses.

They also manage public fundraising (such as initial public offerings) by:

In essence, they ensure seamless execution by guiding you from planning to closure.

Learn About: 5 Fundraising Mistakes Startups Make – And How to Avoid Them

How Do Investment Banks Handle Legal and Compliance Aspects?

Large capital raises come with a heavy regulatory burden. Investment banks work with accountants and solicitors to oversee:

  • Due diligence
  • Agreements with shareholders
  • Filings with regulatory bodies (e.g., SEBI, RBI, MCA)
  • The structure of taxes
  • Investor KYC and AML checks

They make sure everything complies with the law, shielding the business from disputes that may arise after the deal.

What Happens When the Market Is Uncertain?

Fundraising is more difficult in unpredictable or doomed markets. However, this is when experienced investment banks come in handy:

  • They better time the hike, delaying or accelerating it in response to market cues.
  • They modify the round structure to incorporate bridge financing or convertibles.
  • They locate counter-cyclical investors through their networks.

Their job is not just to raise capital, but they also have to do it safely and intelligently, even under difficult circumstances.

How Do Investment Banks Charge for Their Services?

Most investment banks charge based on:

  • A retainer fee (fixed monthly advisory fee)
  • A success fee (usually 1%–5% of capital raised)
  • Larger the deal, lower the percentage. But do remember that a good investment bank adds far more value than the fee they charge.

Why Can’t Companies Raise Large Capital Without Investment Banks?

Technically you can ,However, when businesses attempt to raise large sums of money without a bank, the following is what actually happens:

  • Off-course valuation
  • Inappropriate investors (or none at all)
  • Poor documents don’t engender trust.
  • Missed legal steps cause delays in the deal.
  • Poor handling of dilution that compromises long-term control

What Are Some Examples of Investment Banks Structuring Large Rounds?

Here are some real-world examples from India:

  • Morgan Stanley and Kotak structured Zomato’s ₹9,000 crore initial public offering.
  • Avendus and others helped with PE rounds for Byju’s Series F (₹3,000+ crore).
  • Axis Capital is in charge of organising Nykaa’s ₹535 crore pre-IPO round.
  • Several investment banks are supporting Delhivery’s ₹2,346 crore initial public offering.

An investment bank typically does the heavy lifting behind every high-profile fundraising event.

Conclusion:

The role of investment banks in fundraising is a part of raising funds, particularly when structuring funding rounds and managing a large capital raise.  For everything from choosing the right mix of equity and debt to picking suitable investors and buying necessary terms, investment banks rely on their expertise and main focus. They link companies to capital markets, so that the fundraising procedure is effective, legal and designed for lasting success.

Investment banks guide companies away from possible challenges such as getting undervalued, not matching the investors’ needs or running into regulatory problems. It is particularly important for them to get involved when markets are unstable, because the right timing, price levels and investors’ confidence are crucial. Thanks to their skills in handling documents, managing checks and directing the process effectively, investment banks finish large investment rounds without any risks.

An experienced investment bank greatly assists with the structuring of funding rounds, managing investor relationships, and executing large capital raises. Wise fundraising helps companies keep their future plans secure along with the finances. Any business that wishes to expand a lot, add new products or go public should make good use of the full set of investment banking services.

Bonus Tip: Are you a startup trying to figure out how to value your business and impress investors? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Use our free Business Valuation Calculator and access free Pitch Deck Templates to confidently prepare for your next investor meeting.

Key Takeaways

  • Investment banks help companies manage the difficulties of fundraising, especially when seeking huge amounts of money.
  •  They know how to organize funds that are ideal for each company and still fulfill what investors are expecting.
  • An important benefit of using investment banks is their access to a wide network made up of many institutional investors and private companies. 
  • Investment banks also make sure that all legal standards are satisfied, appraisals are correct and business transactions are handled without problems.
  • Any company aiming to expand its activities, go public or grow can benefit a lot from involving an investment bank.

FAQs:

  1. What is the role of investment banks in fundraising?
    With the role of investment banks , companies can organise fundraising rounds, attract qualified investors, check compliance and negotiate the terms of finance.
  2. How do investment banks structure large capital raises?
    To reduce a decrease and increase efficiency, they evaluate capital needs, choose the best funding instruments (equity, debt, or hybrid), price the deal, and stage the funding round.
  3. Why should companies involve investment banks in large funding rounds?
    Owing to their proficiency in market strategy, investor relations, legal compliance, and valuation helps in making the process more efficient and fruitful.
  4. Do investment banks also provide services for small companies seeking funds?
    In general, investment banks specialise in medium compared too small, considering how hard and expensive larger transactions can be.
  5. What are the typical documents investment banks prepare during fundraising?
    They create financial models, valuation reports, investor pitch decks, information memorandums, and term sheets during fundraising.

Types-of-investors

What Types of Investors Do Investment Banks Work With?

Investment banks provide money-related help to people and organisations such as large financial firms. Have you ever considered the identity of the people they do business with? Which companies and organisations are the firm’s clients. This blog will focus on the types of investors that typically connect with investment banking services. We will outline the services these banks give to various investors such as high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and institutional investors.

Understanding Investment Banking Services

Before diving into the different types of investors, let’s briefly define investment banking services

These Services  generally belong to three types.

  • Advisory Services: Mergers, acquisitions, restructuring and strategic planning assistance are part of advisory services.
  • Underwriting: Giving clients a way to raise capital by offering debt or equity.
  • Trading and Brokerage:Traders and brokers manage their client’s investments, focus on risk and may be involved in establishing market prices.

Now, let’s look at who  makes up the main users of these services.

What Do Investment Banks Do?

It’s important to know what investment banking services are first, before discussing investors.

  • People and companies use investment banks for help with:
  • Helping clients decide whether to acquire or merge with another business (called M&A)
  • Getting funds by offering shares or bonds
  • Selling shares and making investments through the stock market
  • Using special financial tools called derivatives is an example of managing risks.

Unlike normal banks, they do not offer the chance to open a savings account. They usually deal with clients who either want to invest or want to handle sizeable investments.

1. High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)

Who Are HNWIs?

An HNWI is a person who has assets amounting to over $1 million (excluding their house). Certain individuals have vast amounts, for example $5 million or even $30 million or more.

Why Investment Banks Work with HNWIs?

HNWIs receive special services from investment banks, for example:

  • Supporting them in looking after and increasing their assets
  • Figuring out what to do with their estate
  • Making private and exclusive investments open for their clients
  • Working on real estate, business startup or international initiatives

Most high-net-worth clients are offered guidance by a personal financial advisor.

2. Institutional Investors

Who are Institutional Investors?

Institutional investors are organisations that gather large amounts of money to put into securities, real estate and different assets. Examples include:

  • Pension funds
  • Insurance companies
  • Mutual funds
  • Hedge funds
  • Organisations called endowments and foundations
  • Sovereign wealth funds

Because they hold so many assets, these investors influence the capital markets a lot.

Bonus Tip: Are you a startup struggling to define your business value or pitch to investors? Don’t worry — use our free business valuation software and pitch deck templates to present your startup with confidence!

Why Investment Banks Serve Institutional Investors?

Institutional investors use investment banks for a wide range of services:

  • The ability to complete big deals with low market influence
  • Offerings of IPOs and debt
  • Market studies and intelligence reports
  • Techniques for trading derivatives and hedging are now widely available.
  • Financial products specifically tailored to a person’s needs

Because institutional investors typically trade in sizeable amounts that move the markets, the services of investment banks are very important.

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Investment Banking Services for Startups and Enterprises

3. Corporations

Who are Corporations?

Even though corporations are not directly referred to as “investors,” they make up a main client group for investment banks.

Why Corporations Engage with Investment Banks?

Raising Capital: Raising money by either issuing debt or conducting an IPO

Mergers & Acquisitions: Provide services for securing and carrying out buyouts, mergers and divestitures

Treasury & Cash Management : It involves ensuring there are sufficient funds and resources to meet financial needs

Risk Management:Using derivatives and investor protection to control risk.

In some cases, corporations also act like institutional investors by managing employee pension funds and excess reserves through structured investment vehicles.

4. Family Offices

Who are Family Offices?

Family offices are private companies that look after the money of the extremely wealthy, as most families using them have at least $100 million. Some family offices supervise just one family’s funds and others figure out the finances for a number of families.

Why Family Offices Engage with Investment Banks?

  • Only partners get access to these deals.
  • Projects have access to private equity and venture capital.
  • Ways to arrange investments for lower tax exposure
  • Real estate and art investment management
  • Philanthropic advisory

Similar to HNWIs, family offices value privacy, worldwide connections and detailed financial planning and investment banks are good at providing these services.

5. Government and Sovereign Entities:

Who are Government and Sovereign Entities? 

Governments and sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are  qualify under the broader types of investors working with investment banks.

Why Government and Sovereign Entities Engage with Investment Banks?

  • Administration of sovereign wealth is usually related to long-term investments worldwide.
  • Advice on government plans to privatise companies
  • Currency and commodity hedging are types of risk management strategies.
  • Issuing and managing government bonds

Those in this industry need their banks to be highly trustworthy and knowledgeable about regulations.

6. Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms

Who are Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms?

They are companies that put money into businesses, mostly those that are starting out or trying to grow. The Private equity firms purchase larger businesses.On the other hand,Smaller and newer businesses are the main targets of venture capital firms.

Why Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms Engage with Investment Banks?

  • Search for deals and identify which stocks to invest in.
  • Working on helping the company make sales or prepare for an IPO
  • Supply information and help with making financial decisions

Many times, investment banks remain partners with these firms for several years.

7. Retail Investors (Small Investors)

Who are Retail Investors?

The majority of  retail investors, are not involved with investment banks.

But still,

Why Retail Investors Engage with Investment Banks?

  • Trading platforms found online
  • Guidance and resources for financial decisions
  • The Basic types of investment opportunities

Still, big investment banking services like mergers or big investments are not meant for small investors.

Why It Matters: Different Services for Different Investors

As every type of investors are different in what they want and can afford, investment banks do not give out the same services to everyone. A High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) may require guidance on keeping their savings, saving on taxes or finding unique private investment deals. On the other hand, big investors such as pension funds or mutual funds need help with large trading, thorough market analysis and complex strategies to handle managing billions of dollars.

Corporations may approach banks to get funds, spread into other markets or manage merger or acquisition activities, whereas family offices look for wealth plans that last for several generations and a wide range of assets. Public funds and global investment decisions are regularly approached by governments and sovereign wealth funds with advice from investment banks. Alternatively, private equity and venture capital companies rely on services for finding deals, valuing companies and managing exits. Even though each of these types of investors work with the same investment bank, their needs are very different. That’s why investment banking services are always tailored—designed to match the investor’s size, goals, and risk tolerance. Many aspects of finance, including why investment banks are vital, rely on understanding these differences.

Conclusion

Investment banks work with many different types of investors from High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)

to huge institutional investors and even governments. Various types of investors hope to improve their wealth, but some choose to involve themselves in national or regional investment plans. They are all united because people in these situations need expert advice, large transactions and careful planning.

By understanding who uses investment banking services, you get a better idea of how global finance works—and how important investment banks are in managing money and opportunities around the world.

FAQs

Q1: Who are the main types of investors investment banks work with?

They usually work with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), institutional investors, big companies, family offices, and governments.

Q2: What do rich individuals get from investment banks?

Managing wealth, cutting down on taxes and looking for special investment ideas are areas where they need help.

Q3: What is meant by an institutional investor?

It is a kind of large investment body such as a pension fund or mutual fund, that looks after other people’s funds.

Q4: Are there examples of investment banks working with individual small investors?

Not usually. Mostly, their services target big organisations, yet they can provide some tools for users online.

Q5: What does a family office handle?

They work with the wealthy to look after their finances, choose suitable investments, handle taxes and plan for the future.

fundraising-mistakes-startups-make

Top 5 Fundraising Mistakes Startups Make – And How to Avoid Them

Raising capital is an important part of any startup’s growth journey.Yet, countless founders make the same avoidable errors when it comes to startup fundraising.  If you make these fundraising mistakes, it may slow down your development and weaken trust among investors.

If you’re learning how to raise startup capital,this guide describes the most common Startup funding challenges, and how they can affect your business outcomes and effective measures to overcome each one.

1)Lack of Clear Fundraising Strategy:

Many founders jump into the funding process without a solid fundraising strategy. They focus on collecting funds, without mentioning exactly how much they are seeking, how it will be spent or on the expertise and background of the investors.

Common Problems:

  • Missing a solid plan for how to raise startup capital.
  • Targeting the wrong investors.
  • Statements that are unclear about how the funds are spent.

How to Avoid It:

  • Determine how much money you will need, the purpose of it and when you will require it.
  • Match investors to deals by considering their data points related to investment targets, funding stages and current portfolio.
  • Use business valuation software to determine your realistic startup worth.

A defined road-map helps you set internal objectives and makes investors feel confident in your plans.

2) Problems with the pitch deck : 

The way you structure your pitch deck can weaken your chances before you meet with the investor.However, many startups have trouble creating a mission statement that is simple, meaningful and understandable. If the pitch deck template is not well made, investors could lose interest almost immediately.

Common Problems:

  • Slides that include lots of complicated words or unwanted information.
  • There is no seamless story or main point.
  • Failing to include the business model, evidence of early-stage success and detailed financial projections.

How to Avoid It:

  • Use pitch deck templates to cover essential elements in a compelling way.A strong pitch deck should cover:
    – Problem & solution
    – Market opportunity
    – Product
    – Traction
    – Revenue model
    – Team
    – Competition
    – Financial projections
  • Keep the text simple and comprehensible, emphasise the story and highlight what investors will gain.
  • Be confident and stick to your pitch within 10 minutes.

3) Targeting the Wrong Investors

One of the most overlooked fundraising mistakes is pitching to any investor with capital. Not all types of investors are perfect for what your startup needs.

Common Problems:

  • Focusing your time on people who are not in your target market.
  • Not knowing what investors hope to achieve.
  • Applying for capital from VCs instead of angel investors.

How to Avoid It:

  • Organise investors according to what they have invested in before and what they are looking at currently.
  • Try using resources like FundTQ  to pick suitable investors for your venture.
  • Make sure your pitch is in line with an investor’s experience and investment history.

Making a well-thought-out list of outreach ideas helps you attract the partner who fits what you are looking for.

4) Raising at the Wrong Time:

The moment you ask for a raise is equally important as the raise itself. If you raise money when you are undervalued or overvalued, it can add new stress to the situation.

Common Problems:

  • Attempting to raise money before the product is successful in the market.
  • Allowing the business to struggle from a lack of funds.
  • Attempting to raise funds in an off investment period.

How to Avoid It:

  • Set up main performance metrics to show before asking for money.
  • Raise the capital at least 6-9 months before you require it.
  • Regularly send updates to investors so they feel connected to the business.

5) Ignoring Deal Terms:

A lot of startups find themselves in trouble by choosing unrealistic valuations or neglecting the details in term sheets.

Common Problems:

  • The prices are set assuming future success despite the lack of solid results now.
  • Signing bad investor terms because of a desperate need for capital.
  • Failing to grasp the meaning of dilution, preferences and how equity is split.

How to Avoid It:

  • Use comparable and business valuation software to back up your ask.
  • Learn what cap tables, convertible notes and SAFEs involve.
  • Consult experts in investment banking for startups to negotiate fair deals.

Also Read: Top 7 Reasons Startups Fail

Are You Skipping Expert Help in Your Fundraising Strategy?

One of the most common fundraising mistakes startups make is trying to handle the entire startup fundraising process alone. Even though being independent may be seen as impressive, it could result in delays, issues with who to target or terms that are not favourable.

Instead, smart founders build a strong fundraising strategy by involving experts who understand the real challenges of how to raise startup capital.

That’s where FundTQ steps in.

FundTQ is here to give you advice on raising capital effectively. Whether you’re refining your pitch deck, identifying investor-fit, or figuring out how to raise startup capital, FundTQ connects you with:

They can offer you support by:

  • Upgrading your pitch deck in order to be noticed by serious investors
  • Connecting you to investors who are interested in your area of industry and your stage
  • Protecting you from unwanted legal or financial problems in your term sheet

FundTQ helps you all the way, from getting your business ready to pitch to completing final negotiations. You’ll get help avoiding the common startup mistakes and making your fundraising efforts more efficient and investor-ready.

Conclusion 

Avoiding these fundraising mistakes could be the difference between securing the capital you need or watching your startup stall. Strategic, realistic and prepared thinking gives you more chances for success in business, whether you are starting out or are an experienced business person.

From building a clear fundraising strategy to presenting a winning pitch, and from timing your raise to valuing your business wisely every step matters. Surround yourself with the right people, lean on expert tools like business valuation software and pitch deck templates, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from investment banking professionals. The process of securing funds might be difficult, though with a proper plan, you can make it work long-term and watch your company progress. 

Investment Banking

What is Investment Banking and Why It Matters for Growing Business

When businesses begin to grow, they often need more money, better advice, and stronger partnerships to keep that growth going. This is where investment bankers come into play. It is a part of the financial services sector that helps companies raise capital, buy or sell other companies, go public, or manage their financial structure better.

Investment banking may sound like a complex term, but at its core, it is about helping businesses handle their financial needs innovatively and structured. Whether a company wants to expand into a new market or improve its economic strength, investment banks provide the necessary tools, advice, and resources.

Investment banking helps businesses raise the money they need to grow

Working with investment banks is one of the most common reasons businesses seek capital. A business expands and needs capital to buy machinery, technology, human resources, and new locations. Investment banks link business entities with investors willing to lend out that money.

Critical roles played by the investment banks in capital raising;

  • Equity financing: Helping companies find investors with whom to sell shares privately or publicly.
  • Debt financing: Helping companies seek bonds or favorable government loans.
  • Private placements: Forming deals with investors of their own choice instead of using public markets.
  • Structured financing: Creating a financing plan effective to the business’s current position and future requirements.

Based on a report by Statista, equity issuance worldwide exceeded $840 billion in 2023. This shows how huge amounts of funds are still being accessed by businesses with the help of investment banks.

Investment banks provide sound financial advice for business planning

Managing finances becomes increasingly complex as a business grows and expands. Investment banks offer advice to companies so that they can plan their next course after understanding financial outcomes better.

Examples of financial advice provided:

  • Capital structure decisions: Whether a company should borrow or apply for equity.
  • Valuation services: Assisting a business to learn its actual worth particularly in negotiations or expansion plans.
  • Cash flow analysis: Knowing where the money is going and how it can improve.
  • Market analysis: Offering insights into industry trends, the nature of the competition, and the actions of the investors.

Such advice can help businesses make key decisions and prevent expensive errors.

Mergers and acquisitions are easier with professional guidance

Acquisition or merger with another business is a very effective method of quick growth. However, such deals are complex, and much may go wrong without adequate help. Investment banks take business through the entire process.

Roles performed by investment banks in mergers and acquisitions.

  • Matching the right target/ buyer: Leveraging networks and market research to identify suitable companies for potential mergers or acquisitions.
  • Valuation and negotiation support: Guaranteeing that the business pays or receives the fair value.
  • Due diligence: Scrutinizing the deal’s financial, legal, and operational aspects to prevent future issues.
  • Deal structuring and execution: Developing how the deal will be done legally and financially.

According to PWC, total global M&A activity has gone over $3.2 trillion in 2023, demonstrating how this space is active and competitive.

Tip for Founders: Struggling to raise funds? Let FundtQ help you with ready-to-use pitch deck templates and instant business valuation software — everything you need to pitch with confidence and clarity.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are handled more effectively by experienced firms

Going public is a major milestone for any business—it not only boosts market visibility but also opens the door to raising capital from a broader pool of public investors. However IPOs have different steps and KRA has to be adhered to fully. It is through the investment banks that the businesses can go through such a process smoothly.

The role played by investment banks in IPOs:

  • Underwriting: Bearing the risk of selling off the shares to the investors.
  • Regulatory compliance: Guaranteeing every paperwork and legal requisite is fulfilled.
  • Valuation and pricing: Assisting in determining the number of shares to be issued, and for how much.
  • Marketing the IPO: Generating interest from institutional and retail investors.

In 2023, the IPO market in the world was approximately $123 billion with investment banks being the leading participant in all listings.

Also Read:  Investment Banking Services for Startups and Enterprises

Strategic planning is more effective with the right financial partner

Apart from providing funds and deal handling, investment banks assist the business to think long term. They help in matching financial strategies to business goals. Such strategic support is crucial for companies that aim to achieve ahead of challenges and innovatively use the resources.

How investment banks contribute to strategic planning:

  • Business expansion financing: Planning ways to finance the entry into a new market or product line.
  • Long-term forecasting: Testing various scenarios to prepare for future business cycles.
  • Risk management: Identifying and managing financial risks.
  • Investor relations support: Assisting companies to keep good relations with their investors.

Why investment banking is necessary for business growth

For expanding firms, investment banking is not all about the money. It’s about making the right choices at the right time with the right advice. If one’s company is about to expand with an unbelievable speed or if a company wishes to gain a strong financial foundation, an investment bank can be the key to success or failure.

Most important reasons why investment banking is essential to business growth:

  • It provides avenues of accessing money that drives expansion and innovation.
  • It gives straightforward advice research-based in terms of market conditions.
  • It enables complex processes such as mergers, acquisitions and IPOs.
  • It allows companies to plan for the future confidently.
  • It makes it comply with financial rules and the investors’ expectations.

Also Read: Future of Investment Banking in India 

Conclusion

Investment banking is an essential aspect in growth of any serious business. It helps companies to raise funds, strategize, and make important decisions about the future. In the form of IPOs, acquisitions, or long term strategy, investment banks serve as trusted advisors in assisting businesses in moving forward with stability and mission.

A good investment bank relationship is something every business that intends to grow steadily and successfully should consider.

At FundTQ, we specialise in helping businesses like yours access smart capital, strategic insights, and expert financial planning.


Ready to elevate your business strategy? Talk to our experts today and find out how FundTQ can support your next big move.

future of investment banking

Future of Investment Banking in India 

Investment banking in India is at an interesting point. In 2024, it brought in about $1.3 billion in fees, according to Business Standard. That’s still small next to regular commercial banking, but it plays a big role in helping companies go public, merge with others, raise money through debt, or reorganize their businesses. World Bank reports indicate that the Indian economy expands at a steady rate of approximately 7 to 8 percent annually. The rising economy affords Investment Banks the opportunity to increase their operations over time. This article explores the important factors that will influence the future of investment banking operations in India between 2025 and 2030.

1. Why India’s Investment Banking Sector is Set to Grow

The future of investment banking is promising as the economy is growing fast, more companies need capital. Both local and foreign investors are showing serious interest. Let’s break down the main drivers.

A. A Strong Economy Behind It All

India’s GDP grew by 8.2% in FY24, according to the World Bank. Consistent growth helps businesses expand, which means they need more money. This leads to more IPOs, more bond issues, and more deals for investment banks.

  • The equity capital market (ECM) is booming. In 2024, companies raised $72.3 billion through IPOs and follow-ons. Big names from tech, manufacturing, and financial services led the way.
  • On the debt side, more firms are looking beyond just bank loans. They’re tapping into bond markets, giving a push to debt capital markets (DCM).

B. India’s Markets Are Maturing

Financial markets have come a long way. India’s financial markets have matured significantly, forming a solid foundation for the future of investment banking.

  • India’s mutual fund industry reached a record ₹66.7 trillion (about $794 billion) in assets under management as of August 2024, according to a report by Reuters. This rise suggests more Indian households are choosing to put their savings into the stock market.
  • SEBI has relaxed rules for foreign investors—like simplifying disclosure norms. That’s helped attract more global money.

C. The Global Spotlight Is on India

With China’s economy slowing down, global investors are looking at India as the next big growth story.

  • Inbound M&A deals went up by 18.7% in 2024, showing how much foreign interest there is in Indian companies.
  • Private equity and venture capital flows are still strong, especially in late-stage startups and firms getting ready to list.

So, whether it’s a small tech firm going public or a global giant buying into an Indian brand, investment banks are right in the middle of the action. For startups gearing up to raise capital or launch an IPO, tools like a valuation calculator and pitch deck template can be valuable assets in preparing for early-stage funding.

2. Technology’s Role: AI, Blockchain, and Cloud Reshaping IB

A. AI & Automation: Smarter, Faster Banking

  • AI helps banks operate their daily activities.
  • Large datasets become a part of AI recognition algorithms that evaluate credit risks.
  • Automatic systems through Algorithmic Trading enable improved and accelerated execution of trades.
  • Chatbots, alongside Virtual Advisors, function as digital support agents for handling customer service needs and creating automated reports.

B. Blockchain & Digital Assets 

  • A few banking operations adopt Blockchain technology as a gradual implementation method.
  • The Digital Rupee provides secure, transparent, real-time transactions through its role as digital money for securities settlements.
  • Trading financial assets through digital tokens occur continuously for Tokenized Bonds and Equity.

C. Cloud Computing: The Backbone of Digital Banking

  • Cloud computing adoption has become a standard practice across multiple industrial sectors, particularly in banking institutions.
  • Cloud systems enable banks to simplify their data management and risk assessment process through their storage capabilities.
  • Cloud-based solutions enabled smaller banks to achieve financial savings.

The practice of storing data internationally raises security risks that cause significant concern.

3. Regulatory & Policy Shifts: SEBI & RBI Driving Change

A. SEBI’s Merchant Banking Reforms (2024):

  • The Merchant Bankers Regulations underwent changes from SEBI during December 2024.
  • Non-bank merchant bankers must only engage with basic activities which include M&As and IPOs.

B. RBI’s Monetary Policy and Fintech Developments:

  • Under its April 2025 statement RBI announced a reduction of repo rate to 6%.
  • The policy has been implemented to boost economic expansion during times of worldwide economic vulnerabilities.
  • The Indian central bank engages in Digital Rupee (e₹) development to enable swift interbank transactions in financial market sectors.

C. Global Regulations Impacting India:

  • The complete implementation of EU’s MiCA regulation for crypto-assets took effect on December 30, 2024.
  • The European Union took a decision to postpone by a few years Basel III “Endgame” rules until January 2026 for synchronization with United States implementation schedules.

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Investment Banking Services for Startups and Enterprises

4. ESG & Sustainable Finance: A Growing Opportunity

A. Green Bonds and ESG Investing

  • Green bonds reached $670 billion during the year 2024 at a global level.
  • The sustainable debt market sees its biggest segment as green bonds.
  • The Indian government launched its initial sovereign green bond issuance during January 2023 to achieve a successful funding of ₹16,000 crore corresponding to $2 billion.

B. SEBI’s Role in ESG Regulation

  • Starting from the financial year 2022–23 SEBI required ESG disclosure reports from its top 1,000 listed companies.
  • SEBI applied this requirement to all supply chain entities connected to the top 250 companies while establishing 2025–26 as the compliance date.
  • The supply chain industry demanded further time to meet disclosure requirements so SEBI pushed back the deadline until 2026.

5. Competitive Landscape: How Investment Banks Compete with Other Players

Commercial Banks

Banks control the majority of the loan and deposit market sector. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, industrial credit increased by 4.4%, while agricultural credit registered a 5.1% growth rate in FY24.

Asset Managers

The funds managed by asset management companies amount to ₹66.7 trillion, equivalent to $794 billion. Their main business segment involves investing the funds of wealthy clients alongside investment banks. Their market-moving activity is supported through voluminous buying and selling operations that maintain market activity.

Fintech Companies

These financial companies emerged from present-day technological advancements. In 2024, they raised around $1.9 billion. Electronic platforms enable these companies to provide loans for businesses while offering bond investment opportunities to the public. Fintech companies have implemented technology-based solutions that have drawn substantial financial operations from banks, investment firms, and tiny client segments.

Main Point

Investment banks must develop intercompany cooperation schemes with fintech enterprises to enhance their client outreach and service delivery. They also need to use their broad banking operations to acquire additional clients and manage larger transactions.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for India’s Investment Banking?

The India’s future of investment banking industry benefits from multiple strengths, which include:

  • A healthy economy
  • Better use of technology
  • Support from regulators
  • The interest in green finance and ESG initiatives

Various obstacles impact the sector, such as shifting global circumstances, regulatory uncertainties, and growing competition. With a committed focus and strategic decisions, along with strategic market relationships with both new and established players, Indian investment banks will maintain their advantageous market position.

Top 10 Successful Startups In India of 2024

Top 10 Successful Indian Startups of 2025-2026

The Indian ecosystem of startups still remains to be one of the most active and influential in the world. Fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and SaaS are just some of the examples of Indian startups in 2025 2026 that do not only address local issues but create the business on a global scale. The difference between these startups is that they are able to integrate innovation, technology, sustainability, and high performance. With innovative and pioneering founders, experienced investors, and a digital economy that is growing swiftly, India has emerged as a worldwide startup superpower.

Top Indian Startups
This blog discusses the Top 10 Successful Indian Startups of 2025-2026 and its business models, real-life application, and the reasons behind its significance in an economy today.

Why Indian Startups Are Thriving in 2025–2026

The fast increase in successful startups in India has been due to several reasons:

  • Good digital infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, GST)
  • More investor confidence and international funding.
  • High population of mobile-first consumers.
  • State programs such as Startup India.
  • Increasing popularity of entrepreneurship as a profession.

They are impact-driven, technology-based, and scalable startups making them the leaders in their respective industries.

Snapshot: Top Indian Startups at a Glance (2025–2026)

Top Indian Startups

Approximate Funding Raised by Top Indian Startups (in USD)

 

Funding Raised by Top Indian Startups
Top 10 Successful Indian Startups of 2025–2026

1. FundTQ Digital – Empowering Early-Stage Founders

Industry: Fintech / SaaS
Founded: 2016

FundTQ Digital has become a potent early-stage fundraising facilitator to founders of start-ups with poor fundraising. One of the most difficult roles in entrepreneurship is made easier through the platform, raising capital.

Key offerings include:

Real-life impact:

Using investor-ready tools offered by FundTQ, several first-time founders have been able to successfully complete an angel round and seed round, and save time, cost, and energy.

Why it stands out in 2025–2026:

As more and more startups appear in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, FundTQ will efficiently match founders to investors.

2. CRED – Redefining Credit Culture in India

Industry: Fintech
Founded: 2018

CRED does not reward users on spending too much but on paying credit card bills in time. In such a way, it will encourage financial discipline among the high-end users in India.

Key highlights:

  • More than 22 percent of credit card users in India.
  • Rewards, experiences, and financial products, which are exclusive.
  • Diversification into business and moneylending.

Real-life example:

CRED is used by high-income professionals not only to make bill payments but also to obtain curated luxury offers, as well as financial insights.

3. PharmEasy – Transforming Digital Healthcare

Industry: Healthtech
Founded: 2015

PharmEasy has turned into a household name during the pandemic and still controls online healthcare in India.

Core services:

  • Online medicine delivery
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Medical devices

Strategic growth:
The integration of Medlife made it stronger in the market than Amazon Pharmacy and Flipkart Health.

4. MyGST Refund – Simplifying GST for Businesses

Industry: Tax & Fintech
Founded: 2019

MyGST Refund can help resolve one of the most complicated compliance issues in India GST refund.

Key differentiators:

  • The first API based GST refund calculator in India.
  • Real-time refund tracking
  • Expert-backed tax advisory

Founder expertise:
Co-founded by 14+ years of experience in the field of tax professionals and providing solid trust and authority.

5. Digit Insurance – Making Insurance Simple

Industry: Insurtech
Founded: 2016

Digit Insurance is transparent and user-friendly, which is attractive to the Indian consumer in the present times.

Why customers trust Digit:

  • Paperless claims
  • Clear policy wording
  • Celebrity investors with credibility.

Digit has continued to grow aggressively in health, travel and motor insurance.

6. Meesho – Powering Bharat’s Entrepreneurs

Industry: Social Commerce
Founded: 2015

Meesho allows millions of homepreneurs and small sellers to sell their products on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook.

Real-world impact:

Meesho gives an opportunity to over 13 million sellers, most of which are small-town women earning sustainable income.

7. Groww – Democratizing Investments

Industry: Fintech / WealthTech
Founded: 2016

Groww has simplified and made investment accessible to first time investors.

Key strengths:

  • User-friendly app
  • Zero commission mutual funds.
  • Close emphasis on the education of money.

Real-life example:

Financial inclusion is real because Groww has over 60 per cent users living in non-metro towns.

8. Nykaa – From Beauty to Lifestyle Empire

Industry: Beauty & Fashion
Founded: 2012

Nykaa is a company that combines the convenience of online shopping with the experience of the offline one, founded by a former banker Falguni Nayar.

Growth drivers:

  • Omnichannel presence
  • Private labels like Nykd
  • Nykaa Fashion expansion

Nykaa is also a good case of founder-led credibility and performance.

9. Udaan – Powering India’s B2B Commerce

Industry: B2B E-commerce
Founded: 2016

Udaan links manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers in India.

Scale:

  • Presence in 900+ cities
  • 25,000+ sellers
  • Strong logistics network

The attention of Udaan to small retailers renders it essential to the supply chain environment of India.

10. Dream11 – Leading Fantasy Sports in India

Industry: Sports Tech
Founded: 2008

Dream11 played on the Indian fascination with cricket and fantasy sports.

Key achievements:

  • 100+ million users
  • India’s first gaming unicorn
  • Backed by global investors

Real-life engagement:

Dream11 has high product-market fit, as it records high user activity during IPL seasons.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the most successful Indian start up in 2025?
No individual victor is present but start-ups such as CRED, Dream11 and Nykaa are at the top of their industries.

Q. Are Indian startups competitive across the world?
Yes. There are numerous Indian startups that are functioning on the international level and attract foreign investors.

Q. Which sectors are booming in 2025–2026?
The most growing industries are Fintech, Healthtech, SaaS, E-commerce, and Gaming.

Q. What are the ways of new startups to raise funds?
With such tools as FundTQ Digital, founders are able to create investor-ready documents and valuations.

Startup Success in IndiaSummary

The list of Top 10 Successful Indian Startups of 2025-2026 reflects the power of Indian entrepreneurs, their innovative, and their ability to withstand. These companies do not only build businesses; they are creating new jobs and resolving practical issues, and they are defining the future economy. In case you are a startup that wants to be listed as one of the top companies in India and you have growth or fundraising problems, preparing to become investor ready is essential.

Gain access to industry-specific pitch decks, financial models, and valuation tools to find the right investors and raise with confidence.

Get business Funding

guide to investment banking services

Investment Banking Services: The Core of the Financial Industry Explained

Investment banking services help businesses raise capital, manage mergers and acquisitions, and make strategic financial decisions.

Do you know what lies at the heart of the financial industry?

The financial sector comprises of the insurance sector, real estate agencies, consumer financing firms, and mortgage lending firms. Nonetheless, there is one participant that can be considered as particularly influential, which is the investment bankers.

These professionals play significant roles in the world economy and can be regarded as the financial superheroes. They are at the centre stage of key financial activities and they affect both businesses and individuals.

In a case in point, imagine a multinational corporation intending to grow, a government intending to get money to finance a project, or an owner of a business undertaking a merger and acquisition. That is the niche that the corporate investment banking services play, serving as the mediator between companies and the financial system.

This guide will help you maximise the opportunities in financial services and/or know how this world works in case you are interested or want to know more about it.

  • Gain expert perspectives
  • Learn key skills and methods
  • Manage complicated financial scenarios with ease.
  • Keep up with the trend and opportunities in the industry.

So, let’s get down to it and discuss the importance of investment banking services – and their influence on the worldwide financial arena.

An Overview of Investment Banking Services

overview of investment banking

Corporate investment banking can be likened to a financial giant in the corporate world. It links the businesses with the financial system that assists them to tap into capital that allows them to develop and grow. It also comes with strategic guidance which not only creates markets but also encourages innovation and economic growth.

The following are some of the base investment banking services and their significance:

1. Market Insights and Research

In finance, expertise is authority. To enable clients to make informed decisions, investment banks conduct thorough research to provide them with the insights about the market.

2. Global Reach and Expertise

As global financial institutions, corporate investment banks find it easy to cross-border, with all the experiences of diverse markets and regulations.

3. Advisory Services

The investment bankers provide expert advice to companies about mergers, acquisitions, capital structure and financial strategies- hence allowing business owners to make sound decisions.

4. Debt and Equity Issuance

They assist firms to raise capital through issuance of debt (bonds) or equity (shares).

5. Underwriting

Investment banks as underwriters assume risk when they buy securities of a company and sell them to the investors.

6. Valuation Services

They ensure the fair value of a company or an asset – a major process when making decisions on mergers and acquisitions or investing in a company or asset.

7. Corporate Restructuring

The investment bankers help organizations to restructure the debt, assets, and operations in order to increase efficiency and profitability.

8. Asset Management

There are those investment banks that handle investment portfolios of both institutional as well as individual clients and assist them in building and preserving wealth.

Simply put, investment banking services are the brains of financial success.

In this article, I am going to give you a short brief of the major stakeholders in the finance industry.

Every one of these players has their role and all they do collectively to foster company growth, success in business while keeping investors profitable.

Major Stakeholders in the Finance Industry

The finance ecosystem is composed of all players, whose functions are tailored to achieve the success of business and investor prosperity. The three most important stakeholders are:

1. Investment Banks
FundTQ, Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley are financial institutions that provide mergers and acquisitions advice and capital raising services.

Example: FundTQ assists a software company to become a publicly traded company by means of an IPO ( Initial Public Offering).

2. Corporate Clients
These are the companies who are dependent on investment banks on how to raise capital and give strategic advice on merger or acquisition processes.

3. Institutional Investors
Such institutions as HDFC Asset Management Company gather funds from investors and invest them in stocks, bonds and other securities to increase wealth.

These players collectively contribute towards the growth and innovation of the investment bank sector.

Major Units of Investment Banking

Whether you’re studying finance or just curious, understanding the core divisions of investment banking services is essential. These include:

Accordingly, in this module we will review main corporate investment banking products: capital markets, corporate finance and advisory services.

The basics of the investment banking industry are vital for anyone interested in finance — from those who aspire to work on Wall Street one day, all the way down to a casual bystander curious about how things function within the realm of high Finance.

Thus, this article will explore the major building blocks of Capital Markets, Corporate Finance and Advisory Services that have an impact on the corporate investment banking universe.

Factors Capital Markets Corporate Finance Advisory Services
Nature of Services Deals with buying and selling financial securities like stocks, bonds, etc. Focuses on financial activities within funding and investment decisions. It provides expert guidance and recommendations to various companies, including financial matters to individuals and businesses.
Scope and Clients It involves a broad range of investors, including individuals, institutions, and governments. Specific to a single company or organization. Serves both individual and corporate clients.
Regulatory Framework Highly regulated to ensure fair and transparent trading. Subject to regulations, particularly regarding regulations based on the company operations. Subject to a specific type of advice offered.

Front Office: The Action Zone of Investment Banking

The client-facing and deal-making portion of the organisation, where strategic consulting, relationship management, and capital-raising activities flourish, is referred to as the investment banking front office.

important functions and tasks in the front office of investment banking

The front office is the client-facing, deal-making part of an investment bank — where relationship management and capital-raising thrive.

1. Client Relationship Management
Front-office bankers establish and sustain good relations with their clients by knowing their financial objectives and market positions.

2. Pitching and Advisory
They offer personalized financial services and recommend capital raise, restructuring or acquisitions and mergers.

3. Execution and Due Diligence
The bankers conduct a thorough due diligence analysis of the target company operations, finances, and risks before any merger or acquisition.

4. Underwriting and Capital Raising

Underwriting is assisting an organization to raise new shares or bonds. The process involves:

  • Evaluating the finances of the company.
  • Setting the offering price
  • Reporting to the regulators (such as SEC)
  • Making sales to investors.
  • After offering prices are to be stabilized.

5. Financial Modeling and Valuation

Valuation is an actual worth in a company and financial modeling is a forecast of a future performance of the business, and therefore it enables a banker to make informed decisions in regards to a deal.

6. Risk Assessment and Mitigation

The investment bankers are always on the lookout of risks in a deal and designing a plan that safeguards the client as well as the bank.

7. Market Analysis and Business Development
Knowing the trend in the market will assist bankers to spot new opportunities and reinforce portfolios of clients.

Trends and Challenges in Investment Banking Services

In this guide, it’s important to look at the trends and challenges in Corporate investment banking firm. Let’s have a peek at it then-

Top 5 Investment Banking Trends:

top 5 investment banking trends

1. Fintech Revolution:

Fintech businesses are using creative ways to challenge established banking models. These technologies, which include online payment systems and robo-advisors, are continuously altering the way financial services are rendered.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

These two powerful technologies are transforming data analysis and decision-making. Investment banks are using AI for risk assessment, portfolio optimization, and fraud detection.

3. Blockchain and DLT:

These technological advancements are revolutionizing the safe recording and verification of transactions. Investment firms are investigating the potential benefits of blockchain technology for increased transparency and efficiency.

4. Adoption of RegTech:

RegTech gives banks the ability to more skillfully negotiate changing regulatory environments. Thus, in order to guarantee optimal regulatory conformance, compliance operations are automated.

5. ESG considerations are incorporated into plans for socially concerned clients through sustainable and impact investing.

Top 5 Challenges Faced by Investment Banking Services Firm:

There are inevitably and probably will be issues as technology trends continue to emerge.

top 5 challenges faced by investment banks

Let’s examine a couple of them:

1. Regulatory Compliance:

It can be difficult to ensure compliance with the many financial regulations. Anti-money laundering (AML) regulations put banks under more scrutiny in an effort to stop illegal activity.

2. Cybersecurity Threats:

It’s a never-ending struggle to keep private financial information safe from hackers. Large-scale data breaches at financial institutions, such as the Equifax attack, make it abundantly evident that strong cybersecurity measures are essential.

3. Market Volatility:

Managing erratic shifts in the market presents difficulties for investment plans. Investment choices were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic and resulted in significant market fluctuations.

4. Client Relationship Management:

It takes skill to satisfy a wide range of client expectations and establish lasting bonds. Example: Managing disparate clients’ competing investing goals can be difficult.

5. Talent Retention:

High employee turnover in investment businesses may result from the need for qualified quant analysts.

Top 5 Global Impacts of Investment Banking

Let’s now examine the worldwide influence of corporate investment banking, having previously examined the new trends and obstacles.

1. Cross-Border Capital Flows:

Investment banks have a major impact on the global flow of capital by assisting with cross-border investments. For instance, an investment bank helps a US company get money from abroad investors to develop internationally.

2. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A):

This department plays a key role in facilitating cross-border mergers and acquisitions services between foreign corporations. Investment banking services contributes to the shaping of the global corporate landscape as a result of this partnership.

3. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

Banks that support FDI make sure that it occurs, which in turn encourages global corporations to make economic investments in other nations. For instance, an investment bank assists a multinational company from Asia in business fundraising services the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Europe, thereby promoting economic expansion and job creation.

4. Capital Market Development:

It generates funding possibilities and liquidity while assisting in the expansion and efficiency of the world’s capital markets.

5. Economic Stability:

Global economic stability is ensured in part by investment banks’ prudent risk management procedures and investment strategies. For example, an investment bank’s risk management strategies can reduce losses and stabilize global financial markets during a financial crisis.

You should be keen to learn more about investment banking and look into career options after realizing its broad breadth. So let’s move on to the following part to learn more about this fascinating area of study and your career options.

free pitch deck templates
Careers and Skills in Investment Banking

Recall that there are excellent prospects for advancement and influence in both front- and back-office job routes if you want to leave your mark in the banking industry. To climb the success ladder, you must continue studying, networking, and improving professionally because this is a competitive field!

The last part of this extensive book will cover some important skills you can pick up to help you on your way.

Skills for Advancement in the Competitive Investment Banking Industry

1. Technical Expertise:

Pursue degrees in accounting, finance, economics, or other relevant discipline to ensure that you have a solid educational foundation. To improve your technical abilities, you should also think about taking specialist courses or obtaining certifications like CFA or FRM. To find out more about industry trends, check out the courses offered by IMS Proschool, including the CFA Program and Financial Modeling.

2. Analytical skills:

Improve your analytical abilities via case studies, financial modeling activities, and hands-on data analysis. Examine financial data to hone your analytical skills, evaluate prospects for investments, and carry out assessments. Never be afraid to ask mentors for input in order to improve your strategy and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

3. Interpersonal Skills:

To improve your leadership, conflict-resolution, and teamwork abilities, make sure to work together on group projects. In addition, take on jobs that require interaction with clients to hone crucial client relations abilities.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a combination of excellent technical askills, analytical aptitude, and strong interpersonal relationships to succeed in corporate investment banking.

Conclusion:

Now let’s conclude with a brief summary of this guide!

In order to better understand the importance of financial modeling, risk assessment, and relationship management, we have examined the fascinating field of corporate investment banking in this blog.

We now know that having a solid foundation is essential for anyone entering the exciting field of corporate investment banking, and that it can be compared to a compass in navigating this new and exciting environment.

business valuation software

Corporate investment banking offers a rewarding job that rewards ambition, effort, and adaptability. To succeed in this field, look for guidance from industry leaders and consider lateral movements for a variety of skills. Never be afraid of obstacles since they guarantee lifelong learning. As a candidate, make an effort to remain current, strike a balance between technical and people skills, and make an investment in your own growth to boost your self-assurance.

So take use of these chances to enhance value in your corporate investment banking journey by making use of our thorough guidance.

Prepare yourself to take advantage of this opportunity and begin a fulfilling career in corporate investment banking. Awaiting you is your success tale!

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly are investment banking services?

Answer:
Investment banking services are all about helping businesses grow, raise money, and make smart financial moves. Think of investment banks as expert advisors and connectors between companies and the financial markets. They assist with things like raising capital, underwriting securities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), valuations, and restructuring. In short, they make complex financial decisions easier and more strategic.

2. Why do companies need investment banking services?

Answer:
Companies turn to investment banks for their deep financial knowledge and experience in executing big, high-stakes deals. Whether a business wants to raise funds, sell a division, merge with another company, or simply understand its market value — investment bankers bring the right mix of strategy, analysis, and connections to make it happen smoothly and efficiently.

3. What are the main areas within investment banking?

Answer:
Investment banking typically has three key divisions:

  • Capital Markets: Focused on issuing and trading securities.

  • Corporate Finance: Advises companies on raising funds and managing their capital structure.

  • Advisory Services: Helps with M&A, restructuring, and other strategic moves.
    Each area plays a unique role, but together, they help companies access capital and unlock growth opportunities.

4. What do investment bankers actually do day to day?

Answer:
Investment bankers are hands-on problem solvers. They meet clients, build financial models, prepare proposals, research industries, negotiate deals, and manage the entire transaction process. From valuation and underwriting to closing complex deals, they’re involved in every step of turning a company’s vision into financial success.

5. What skills do you need to work in investment banking?

Answer:
It’s a mix of numbers, people, and problem-solving. You’ll need strong technical skills in finance and valuation, analytical thinking to model complex scenarios, and communication skills to manage client relationships. Investment banking is fast-paced and demanding — but it’s equally rewarding for those who enjoy challenges and continuous learning.

6. How can a startup or enterprise choose the right investment banking partner?

Answer:
Choosing the right investment banking partner comes down to trust and expertise. Look for a firm that understands your industry, has a solid track record, and aligns with your business goals. Transparency, communication, and cultural fit also matter — the right partner isn’t just a service provider; they’re a strategic ally who supports your long-term vision.