Paytm-BYJU's Crisis: Demand for Regulatory Body to Govern Startup Valuation

Despite India's significant position as the world's third-largest startup economy, the persistent wave of financial misrepresentation and compliance concerns among startups is sending shockwaves throughout the industry.

The recent controversies surrounding giants like Paytm and BYJU's serve as stark reminders of this unsettling trend. While BYJU's has always been in question for its suspicious valuation, Paytm's sudden downfall left the entire industry in a state of shock and introspection. These incidents underscore the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability within India's burgeoning startup ecosystem. As stakeholders grapple with the aftermath, there's a growing recognition that robust regulatory frameworks and ethical business practices are essential to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the sector.

ICAI on BYJU's & Paytm

Reportedly, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is poised to delve into the financial statements of Paytm Payments Bank, marking a significant development in its ongoing examination of Byju's accounts.

Scheduled for its next session in March, the ICAI's Financial Reporting Review Board (FRRB) may decide on initiating a review of Paytm during this meeting, as disclosed by ICAI President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal.

This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s imposition of restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank amid alleged regulatory concerns. The FRRB aims to ascertain whether these issues warrant a comprehensive assessment of the bank's financial records and their potential implications on its accounting procedures.

Agarwal clarified, "While the matter concerning Paytm has not yet been on our radar, the impending FRRB board meeting will deliberate on appropriate actions, if deemed necessary."

He underscored the discretionary authority vested in the FRRB to select entities for review and the timing of such assessments, affirming that the board adheres to a rigorous evaluation framework.

The ICAI holds the prerogative to initiate reviews autonomously or in response to complaints. In the case of Byju's, the scrutiny was initiated by the ICAI itself.

Agarwal provided assurance that the review of Byju's financial statements is progressing smoothly, with a comprehensive report anticipated by year-end.

Concerns Across The Industry

However, it's crucial to note that these issues aren't confined to high-profile startups alone; they permeate the entire startup landscape, raising serious questions about transparency and integrity within the sector.

Last year, a seemingly promising startup GoMechanic came under fire as co-founder Amit Bhasin publicly admitted to grave “errors” in financial reporting. The revelation sent shockwaves throughout the startup world. Though a forensic audit has been ordered, it has also shone a spotlight on the larger issue that plagues the startup industry - lack of transparency. 

As claims of fake fundings rise in the startup space, TICE had an exclusive conversation with Dhiraj Khandelwal, Chairman - MSME & Startup committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he discussed the role of government, ICAI and the need of a regulatory body. 

Need of a Regulatory Body!

While GoMechanic is just one startup that came forward and admitted the discrepancies in their valuation, there are many big-small startups that are silently running this game of “money heist”. 

And unfortunately, there is no regulatory framework to control the same. Khandelwal thinks that while the startup ecosystem has become commendably strong, it still lacks a body to overlook the valuation of startups as of now and that is one of the biggest reasons behind this hogwash about the valuation of startups!

“There is an urgent need for a government regulatory body where startups should report whatever funding they got to the ministry,” he emphasized. “In the present scenario, no company is ready to share the exact numbers, valuation and the stakes which makes the situation more challenging.”

On Entrepreneurship

As one of the renowned finance experts in the country, Khandelwal also highlighted how the ICAI and chartered accountants are adding value to the startup ecosystem in the country. 

“The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has been actively promoting entrepreneurship among its members through intrapreneurship, or starting one's own practice,” shared Dhiraj. “This concept has always been present within the Chartered Accountancy profession, with many Chartered Accountants branching out into new businesses and becoming intrapreneurs in the past.”

“While the “startups” have now become a thing for the last 8-10 years, chartered accountants are venturing into startups from long back. “Moving towards your business is a first stage of becoming an entrepreneur and as far as I can remember, chartered accountants have a history of running successful businesses for years. I can recall it was in the 1990s when 71 CAs took the CA broking card and brokers like “Motilal Oswal” took birth. Now that they have become big, we cannot forget that they also started as entrepreneurs once,” he asserted.

Hence I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is in the blood of the chartered accountant fraternity, he noted. 

Valuation 

There are companies who claim to secure hefty funds one day and announce layoffs the next day, for example BYJU’s. On being asked how can we justify these opposite actions from a startup? He explained, “Fundings and layoffs are two completely different things and cannot be linked together. Securing fundings and adding to its valuation is the result of good management. And job cuts come from different reasons and one major reason for the job cut is the advent of technology which has taken away the jobs of many.”

“However, the startup ecosystem is all about innovation and taking risks. Sometimes, these risks don't pay off and a startup may have to lay off staff or register losses. But that doesn't mean the startup's idea or technology is not valuable. Investors see potential in the team and the technology and are willing to fund the startup despite its current challenges. A startup's value is not just based on its current financials, but also on its potential for future growth,” he added.

Technology is crucial for survival 

As per the government data, 90% of the startups fail in the early stage and it has been noted that not all of them fail due to the lack of funds. There are many startups who secure notable funding amounts but still fail. 

Highlighting the reason behind it, Khandelwal said, “One major factor which leads a startup towards failure is the lack of technology. Startups who are not giving attention to technology can really not see a future for long.”

“And not just the new-aged products, even the age-old traditional products need to go hand-in-hand with the technology to stay competitive in the market.”

ICAI & Startups

ICAI has been promoting this spirit of entrepreneurship among its members by creating an ecosystem that supports the growth of startups. Looking at the efforts of ICAI to strengthen the startups across the country clearly shows that the institute is a hub of ideas and great minds.

“Over the years, ICAI has established 11 incubation centers across the country and aims to take the number to 50 soon.”

In 2018, ICAI established an incubation center in Mumbai to provide space for startups to grow. This led to the emergence of successful startups such as Trade Credit and Firmware, both of which have been invested in by venture capitalists and are performing well. 

“In addition to providing physical space, ICAI also started mentorship programs and a certificate course on startups to help Chartered Accountants better prepare for starting a business, including preparing resolutions, pitch decks, and understanding valuation and other related aspects,” he elucidated. 

ICAI also started an annual event, the ICAI Startup Conclave, which brings together startups, investors, and mentors. Last year, they selected 60 startups for funding out of 130 projects, and all of them were funded. ICAI also started incubation centers across India and are planning to have 50 incubation centers across the country this year.

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