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I'm just starting out, should I register as a proprietorship, LLP, or private limited company?

For a solo maker testing demand with no funding plans, a proprietorship (just a current account + GST) is the fastest way to start billing legally, you can always convert later. The moment you want a payment gateway in a company's name, plan to raise from angels/VCs, or bring on a co-founder, move to a Private Limited Company since it's the only structure that can issue equity shares; an LLP sits in between with lighter compliance but you can't easily raise a priced equity round in one. Most D2C brands that scale past a few crore in revenue end up Pvt Ltd anyway, so if you're even 60% sure you'll raise money, just start there and save yourself a conversion later.

Go deeper

4 resources, 4 India-specific, 4 link-checked.

📄 Article
✓ Link checked India Free Beginner

A clean side-by-side that goes past the textbook comparison to the practical trigger, if you plan to raise equity or need a payment gateway's company-only KYC, this spells out exactly why LLP won't work.

LLP vs Private Limited Company in India: Which Is Best for Your Startup in 2025?

From AidByLaw

  • LLPs can't issue equity shares, ruling them out for priced funding rounds
  • Pvt Ltd has heavier compliance (ROC filings, audits) but far more credibility with investors and partners
  • Conversion from LLP to Pvt Ltd later is possible but adds cost and time
Open aidbylaw.com
📄 Article
✓ Link checked India Free Beginner

Widens the comparison beyond the usual two-way LLP-vs-Pvt-Ltd debate to include where a Public Limited or OPC might fit, useful once your team or cap table gets more complex.

Comparison: LLP vs Pvt Ltd vs Public Company in India, Which Suits You?

From CrossVentura

  • Lays out liability, compliance burden and fundraising ability side by side
  • Explains when a Public Limited structure becomes relevant (large scale, IPO track)
  • Useful decision framework, not just a features table
Open crossventura.com
📄 Article
✓ Link checked India Free Beginner

The rare guide written specifically for D2C founders rather than generic startups, it walks through incorporation, GST, trademark and product licenses as one connected checklist instead of siloed topics.

D2C Brand Registration & Compliance India 2026

From IncorpX by IncorpX

  • Maps out the full registration stack a D2C brand needs, not just incorporation
  • Explains why payment gateways and logistics partners expect a Pvt Ltd/LLP
  • Flags category-specific licenses (FSSAI/CDSCO/BIS) early
Open incorpx.io

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