Delhi-based start-up, LegalRaasta, which provides finance & taxation services to SMEs, has raised around $5 million in Series A funding from Impanix Capital.

LegalRaasta plans to use these funds in building GST compliance software for SMEs, CAs & enterprises. They will offer both a standalone GST Software and an API interface to connect ERP (such as SAP, Oracle & Tally) with GST systems. LegalRaasta has already applied as a GSP (GST Suvidha Provider) with government.

LegalRaasta intends to serve its existing SME clients & over 80 lakh+ potential SMEs to be covered under GST regime. Through its GST software solution, the start-up intends to simplify GST filing through features such as reconciliation, excel upload, app-based GST filing etc. The company already offers ITR Software and TDS Software, and aims to provide complete its taxation offering with GST.

LegalRaasta was started by a former McKinsey consultant – Himanshu Jain & his brother, Pulkit Jain who is a CA cum CS. “LegalRaasta already offers registration and return filing services to SMEs, & GST compliance comes as a logical business extension,” said Himanshu Jain.

As GST is expected to be implemented from July’17, LegalRaasta has started hiring management team from top consulting firms and other large tech start-ups to build its GST offering. The start-up also got Senior VAT official RK Jain as an advisor on board.

“Our aim is to invest this money in building our technology and operational team. We will scale-up the team to 300 people over next 6 months” said Pulkit Jain.

The company has already set up a 24×7 free helpline service where SMEs can get in touch with experts and resolve queries related to GST registration and GST return.

LegalRaasta was started in 2015 as an online platform for business registrations & compliances. Founded with the intent of helping entrepreneurs and SMEs, the company has served more than 80,000+ SMEs till date. Their services include ITR filing, TDS filing, Company registration & Trademark registration among others.

“GST is a big opportunity & will help many organized tax players emerge. A 5-10 per cent market share translates into billion dollars in revenue. We liked the team at LegalRaasta, and believe that they will emerge as one of the top player,” said Archit Bhargava, Venture Partner at Impanix Capital.

The Legal and compliance service market in India has been estimated at Rs 40,000 crore, & this market is growing at a staggering 25 per cent per annum. In addition, GST compliance is expected to be a Rs 17,000 crore market. At present, looking at new opportunities introduced in the domestic market, it is clear that the market size is scheduled to grow exponentially.

Source: BW Disrupt