Transaction advisory firms play a pivotal role in business by offering specialized services for smooth financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and restructuring. Leveraging deep industry knowledge, the firm helps businesses and Startups navigate regulatory landscapes, optimize deal structures, and maximize value. AVA Insights, based in Pune, has experienced substantial growth since 2019, peaking in 2022 and early 2023 with about 80 transactions annually. The firm manages about 60 transactions annually, focusing on funding advisory for startups from seed to Series B stages, with an emphasis on AI and Gen AI sectors.
Despite market challenges, it maintains a strong presence in funding transactions. Anticipating significant M&A consolidation, AVA Insights plans to expand its advisory services and leverage emerging opportunities. Its primary focus is assisting startups with cross-border business requirements, offering comprehensive solutions for incorporation in the USA, Singapore, and UAE, and managing ongoing accounting, reporting, and compliance needs.
AVA Insights is Ranked Top 5 in the Venture Intelligence league table rankings as top financial advisory firm in PE deals in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Recently ITR (International Tax Review) Asia Pacific Tax Has Shortlisted AVA Insights as ‘Best Newcomer Firm' for 2023. It is the only firm from India which was nominated from Asia Pacific in this category for the year 2023.
The firm’s transaction advisory team comprises of Chartered Accountants with experience in Big4, Company Secretary, Lawyers and Valuation experts.
Streamlined Excellence in Transaction Advisory
AVA Insights differentiates itself by consolidating comprehensive transaction advisory services under one roof. Unlike firms that specialize in specific domains such as legal, tax, or financial advice, AVA offers a unified approach. The firm’s in-house teams cover Tax structuring, secretarial, valuation, legal, due diligence, family fund, and corporate finance needs. This integrated model ensures that founders deal with a single point of contact for tax advisory, regulatory compliance, and diligence management.
The firm proactively informs and supports its clients through regular newsletters, social media updates, and focused training sessions. “We integrate legal, regulatory, and financial advisory services under one roof, ensuring streamlined transaction processes for founders. Amidst a funding slowdown, we assist startups in navigating quick closures and explore options like Convertible Cumulative Debentures (CCDs), non-dilutive equity, and a session on Decoding a Term Sheet”, speaks Lalit Valecha, Founder Partner.
At AVA Insights, we redefine transaction advisory by offering integrated solutions that simplify complexities & accelerate growth for early-stage startups
AVA Insights' unique selling proposition (USP) revolves around three key pillars. Firstly, it offers comprehensive 360-degree solutions, including cross-border considerations, simplifying complexities for clients. Secondly, it prioritizes competitive pricing tailored for early-stage companies, understanding their financial needs from pre-seed to Series A stages. Lastly, the hands-on approach with the personal involvement of the partners ensures direct engagement, responsiveness, and strategic counsel, making them trusted partners in decision-making.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Currently, AVA Insights focuses on early-stage companies, covering pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. Looking ahead, its expansion strategy has two main directions: entering the M&A space due to increasing activities and positioning itself in investment banking. Leveraging its network from over 200 transactions in the past four years, AVA Insights is exploring organic growth opportunities in these areas. Additionally, AVA is focused on strengthening its industry rankings and visibility, aiming to be recognized among the top financial transaction advisory firms. The firm's growth is driven by referrals from prestigious IIT and IIM alumni and serial entrepreneurs. It plans to strengthen VC community ties, expand to the US, and increase the average ticket size of fundraisings, positioning itself for robust and sustained growth.
