Oct 26, 2023
The option pricing method is widely used for equity allocation in privately held companies with multiple classes of stock. This article explores the nuances of equity allocation, focusing on the Option Pricing Method tailored for privately held companies with a simple capital structure. Read more on: https://www.bviuk.com/post/equity-allocation-using-option-pricing-method-for-privately-held-companies
Anshuman Thakur has more than 17 years of professional work experience over the entire gamut of valuation and transaction advisory services, with major emphasis in valuing technology and healthcare companies. His responsibilities include valuation and transaction advisory service experience on projects related to mergers and acquisitions, corporate accounting, estate and gift tax, financial reporting, portfolio valuation, employee stock ownership plans and litigation. Having performed several valuations, accounting advisory, due diligence engagements across different industries, his unique skills in business process re-engineering and transforming client businesses have assisted many companies improve ROI over time. At Knowcraft Analytics, Anshuman is responsible for the Company’s strategy planning, new initiatives, financial planning, policy formulation, CRM, operational strategies, change management, and competency development.
Prior to joining Knowcraft Analytics, Anshuman served EXL where he was responsible for managing client businesses and building client relationship. Anshuman has led large engagements in valuations related to tax and financial reporting, and portfolio engagements as part of the advisory services.
Anshuman holds Certified In Strategy & Competitive Analysis (CSCA) from IMA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from IMA, Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) from NACVA, Accredited Institute Valuation Analyst (AVIA) from BVIUK, Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) from ISACA, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from ICFAI University, Executive Diploma in Operations Management from Nirma University, and bachelor’s in engineering from RGPV University.
He loves to spend time with his family, his favorite sport, and books over the weekends.
Harsh has over 12 years of experience in the field of finance. He has worked in several verticals of the field of finance including credit rating, financial database management, taxation, investment banking, and business valuations. At Knowcraft Analytics, he primarily works on engagements related to financial and tax reporting. He works on business valuation requirements regarding financial reporting (ASC 718), corporate tax (IRC 409A), gift and estate planning, purchase price allocations (ASC 805), and goodwill impairment testing (ASC 350).
Before Knowcraft, Harsh was associated with Copal Amba as Senior Associate, where he supported investment banks. Before that, he was associated with Deloitte as US Tax Consultant. Earlier he has also worked with SNL Financials and InfoAnalytica.
Harsh has an MBA (with a specialization in Finance) from IBS Bangalore, ICFAI University; and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Gujarat University.
Vikas Fofandi is a Senior Manager at Knowcraft Analytics, with over 7 years of experience in business valuation and financial and strategic advisory services across industries such as life sciences, healthcare, cannabis, and technology. At Knowcraft, Vikas manages a wide range of valuation engagements, including common stock valuation (IRC 409A), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), purchase price allocation models (ASC 805), goodwill impairment (ASC 350/360), complex derivative valuations, fairness opinions, and gift and estate tax valuations.
In addition to his valuation work, Vikas is actively involved in hiring and training. He has been instrumental in developing the technical skills of the team and has received several accolades during his tenure. In 2023, Vikas was recognized by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) as one of the 30 under 30 Honorees.
Vikas holds an MBA from Ahmedabad University and a bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Gujarat Technological University. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming and writing short stories.
As a mentor and advisor, Chetan has been involved with Knowcraft since its inception. He has a strong passion for coaching and mentoring and serves on the boards of several start-up companies worldwide. He is the founding member of the Pune Chapter of the Indian Angel Network (IAN) and is actively involved in many other industry associations – Young President’s Organization (Past Chair), Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP, Past President), and TiE Pune (Charter Member). Chetan holds an MS in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, an MBA in Finance from the University of Scranton, USA, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Sydenham College, Mumbai, India.
Revathi brings a wealth of knowledge with over a decade of experience in US direct taxation (high net-worth individuals).
Before joining Knowcraft Analytics, Revathi worked for Wipfli LLP as an Assistant Manager, focusing on performing research from time to time on Tax updates and managing engagements independently. Her expertise is vast, covering Inpatriate-Expat Taxation, Global Mobility, and Tax Planning. She is adept at navigating IRS & state audits, resolving notices, and has a profound understanding of international tax treaties. Revathi’s skills extend to US and Foreign Payroll Tax Analysis, Estimated Taxes, as well as Trust and Estate Taxation.
Revathi holds a master’s degree in accounting and taxation, and she’s on her way to becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) and is diligently preparing for her CPA.
With over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, specializing in media, data analytics, and software development, Suresh is adept at establishing IT infrastructure, ensuring security, and managing software licensing. At Knowcraft, he leads IT operations, strategic planning, and maintains overall information security compliance as well as serving as the CISO.
Before joining Knowcraft, Suresh dedicated a decade to EXL Services, focusing on IT infrastructure setup, service delivery, and ISMS compliance. Prior to this role, he played a vital part in IT support within the media and printing industry at Indian Express Newspapers. Throughout his career, Suresh has gained extensive experience in a variety of IT technologies including Novel, Linux, Windows, Firewall management, ISO 27001, data security, and more.
Suresh is a holder of a Diploma in Computer Engineering from Government Polytechnic, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and is also certified as a Lead Auditor in Information Security Management Systems ISO/IEC 27001:2022 by CPG. Outside of his professional pursuits, Suresh enjoys gardening, swimming, and watching movies during his leisure time.
Mr. Kaushik Ravi has around 5 years of work experience in Mergers & Acquisitions Transaction services specializing in providing Financial due diligence services like preparation, analyzing Financial Statements, Quality of Earnings, EBITDA, Net Working Capital, Net Debt, and Cash Flows.
Before joining Knowcraft Analytics, he worked for the Deloitte US India office for over 4 years as a Chartered Accountant in the Financial Due Diligence team predominantly for the Technology (TMT) sector. He has handled multiple buy side, sell side deals, and Private equity investment deals for US market clients. Additionally, has also worked as an Article assistant in the Statutory Audit team during his internship of 3 years at a CA Firm.
Kaushik has also cleared his Certified Public Accountant (US) exams and a Qualified Chartered Accountant (India) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in commerce.
Kaushik likes to Travel, learn about different cuisines, and read in his free time.
Chirag Shah’s expertise focuses on business valuations and financial analyses. He has significant experience valuing privately held entities for buy/sell transactions, family law matters, shareholder litigation, financial reporting, and estate and gift taxation.
The following business valuation engagements are representative of Mr. Shah’s experience:
Pratik has over a decade of professional work experience in valuation and transaction advisory services, with expertise in valuing technology companies. Having worked with 1000+ companies primarily in technology space, his unique skills in re-engineering and transforming client businesses and processes have helped many companies improve ROI over time. At Knowcraft, Pratik leads sales execution and business development efforts. He also plays a key role in mentoring teams on project execution, as well as managing portfolio valuations. Prior to co-founding Knowcraft, he has had stints at reputed companies, such as EXL, IQR Consulting and MindTree. Pratik holds a Master of Commerce degree from Gujarat University, India and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the ICFAI University, India. He loves to catch up on his favorite sport, Cricket, over the weekends.
Nikita has been associated with Knowcraft since 2019 and comes with 8+ years of experience in the field of Human Resources.
Prior to joining Knowcraft, she was associated with Tradebulls Securities Private Ltd., where she was responsible for recruiting, managing benefits, payroll process, onboarding, and exit procedures. She also studied the overall employee life cycle.
Nikita has completed her Masters in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources & Post Graduate HRM from M.S. University, Baroda.
Leena is a Certified Master NLP Practitioner & Life Coach, Certified Emotional Intelligence Professional, and a Certified Psychometric Assessment Professional. She has more than 15 years of experience as an HR Leader and Strategist in the areas of Human Resource Management, employee relations, employee engagement, compensation & benefits management, performance management, labor laws, and OD initiatives with exposure to industries such as education, telecom, media, chemical and IT.
Leena is a strategy architect credited with implementing innovative HR initiatives to streamline processes, introducing Performance Management System (PMS) and Retention System. She has a comprehensive knowledge of developing creative solutions for people development at all levels of management and formulating & implementing learning policies and programs. Before joining Knowcraft, Leena was associated with The Sandesh Limited, a vernacular media major of Gujarat. Before that, Leena was associated with a start-up that was into product development.
Leena holds an MBA in HR & Marketing and has worked as an educator for more than 5 years with business schools & management institutes.
Syed has over 16 years of experience preparing and executing detailed company profiles-deep dive & teasers, market updates, pitchbooks, and buyer/seller screening.
At Knowcraft, Syed manages overall operations for clients engaged in M&A advisory services. He provides technical support in investment banking projects and financial reporting valuation.
His prior roles include preparing and executing confidential information memorandum (CIM) and performing market research for life sciences sector firms, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.
Before joining Knowcraft, Syed was associated with EXL for almost a decade; before that, he worked at Genisys Software.
Syed holds an MBA in Marketing from Periyar University, India, and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Bangalore University, India. He loves traveling with his family and playing football with his kids over the weekend.
Pankaj has over 15 years of rich experience in accounting, tax and finance industry serving multi-national FMCG company and finance & accounting service provider. He has strong experience in Records to Report (R2R), process due diligence, process transition and stabilization, client management, defining and reporting of KPIs, handling audit requirements, review and testing of process controls, and team handling and backup planning. He has hands-on experience working on various gamut of accounting like, General Accounting, Financial and Management Reporting, Balance-sheet Accounts Reconciliations, Accounting Process transition, flux analysis, planning and execution of month-end closure with proven track records of consistent delivery of performance.
He has hands on experience with various ERPs such as SAP (FI), UNIT4 Coda Financials, Lawson, and well versed with other industry leading tools such as Power BI, SAP BusinessObjects to generate reports and dashboards. He has successfully transitioned multiple processes related to Records to Reports, Financial and Management Reporting from different geographies. This includes transitions from the USA, Indonesia, and the Netherlands and some of the remote transitions.
At Knowcraft, Pankaj leads accounting team and spearheads the operations for clients engaged in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), General Accounting and Source to Pay. He provides technical support to clients as well as team members. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
Pankaj likes to draw and make sketches during leisure time. He loves to spend time with his family and friends. He finds reading self-help books, yoga and meditation refreshing.
Gnanendra Rathod has almost 15 years of experience in US, UK and Canadian Tax compliances. Prior to joining Knowcraft Analytics he worked with medium to big size CPA firms with a variety of individual clients as well as business verticals. He was part of the core team in establishing tax practice and closely worked with onshore clients to transition the process. He also managed 20+ members during his tenure on different projects.
His duties include operational aspects to keeping control over deadlines and workflow management. Also responsible for client relationship and fulfil their service line requirements.
He Holds Master of Commerce professional credential. He loved to watch movies, travel and meet with family and friends.
Sunil Shah has more than 12 years of professional work experience in valuation catering to technology and healthcare companies. His responsibilities include managing multiple clients and building client relationships.
Prior to joining Knowcraft, Sunil worked with reputed companies such as EXL, and SNL Financial (now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence).
Sunil holds a Master of Commerce degree from Pune University, India and a Bachelor degree in Commerce from Symbiosis International University, India. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (ICFAI University, India). He loves to catch up on his favourite sport, Cricket, with his son over the weekends.
Sahil Chhibber has been associated with Knowcraft since 2015. At Knowcraft Analytics, he has experience in performing valuation services pertaining to 409A analyses, intangible assets/purchase price allocations, estate and gift valuations, goodwill impairment, and incremental borrowing rate analyses. He also has additional valuation experience performing reports for audit and tax reviews.
Before joining Knowcraft Analytics, Sahil was associated with Barclays Bank, where he was monitoring the complex debt covenants and credit analysis for the companies based out in the United Kingdom.
Sahil holds a Certified Valuation Analyst designation (CVA) and has cleared the CFA level 2 examination conducted by the CFA Institute, U.S. He holds an MBA from the International College of Financial Planning, Delhi, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Amity University, Noida.
Roochira is a seasoned professional with close to 7 years of experience in the valuations field. At Knowcraft Analytics, she works on valuation engagements for financial and tax reporting purposes, including ESOPs, purchase price allocations and M&A advisory engagements. Her expertise extends to all aspects of the valuation process from data analysis to report preparation and she is skilled at communicating complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Prior to joining Knowcraft, Roochira was associated PWC for close to 3 years, where she supported PWC Germany and PWC Canada with goodwill impairments (IAS 36) and preparation of valuation models for financial reporting. Prior to PWC she was working with the Deloitte Financial Advisory Services team for 2.5 years where she led several audit reviews of private equity portfolio valuations (ASC 820).
Roochira holds Masters in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from T.A Pai Management Institute, Manipal.
Rahi has 8 years of experience in business valuations and has been associated with Knowcraft Analytics since 2015. At Knowcraft Analytics, he primarily works on engagements related to financial and tax reporting. Rahi has worked on valuation engagements across diverse scope including 409As, purchase price allocations, gift and estate planning, goodwill impairment, portfolio valuations, valuations for internal planning etc.
He has done his MBA in Finance from Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad and graduated in Computer Science engineering from Saffrony Institute of Technology, Mehsana. He is also a CFA Level II candidate.
On a personal front, he is based out of Ahmedabad, Gujarat and enjoys reading, listening to music, and watching movies in his leisure time.
Priyadarshini has close to 9 years of professional experience and has been with Knowcraft Analytics since 2016. At Knowcraft Analytics, she works on valuation engagements for various financial and tax reporting purposes, including but not limited to 409As, IBRs, portfolio valuations, derivatives and complex securities, and strategic and M&A advisory engagements. She has expertise in the valuation of early-stage pharma/healthcare companies and related assets. She is also involved in the branding initiatives at Knowcraft.
Before Knowcraft, Priyadarshini was a part of the Enterprise and Business Risk Services division at Deloitte Advisory for 2.5 years, where she worked on SOX compliance, risk control matrix, and internal audit, focusing on the energy and resources industry.
Priyadarshini holds a PGDM in Financial Services from K.J Somaiya Institue of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sardar Patel University.
Priyadarshini is passionate about social justice and feminist issues and enjoys exploring new music.
Kushal has more than 8.5 years of experience, with 7.0 years of experience in business valuation, primarily in the financial services, technology and the health care sector. At Knowcraft Analytics, he works on engagements regarding financial reporting (ASC 718), corporate tax (IRC 409A), gift and estate planning, purchase price allocations (ASC 805), goodwill impairment testing (ASC 350 & ASC 360), fair value measurement (ASC 820) and complex security valuation (ASC 815).
Before Knowcraft, Kushal was a part of the Business Valuation team at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. for 6 years, where he worked on debt valuation, equity valuation, portfolio valuation services for M&A advisory, financial reporting, tax planning, and management planning purposes. He has also worked at Accenture Services Pvt. Ltd., as an Analyst, where he provided support services for client-based application.
Kushal holds an PGDM degree from Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, India and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science degree from Invertis Institute of Engineering and Technology, India. He is an avid cricket lover, enjoys driving and exploring new places on holidays/ weekends.
Kritika has close to 9 years of experience in valuation and transaction advisory services, with a primary focus on life sciences and healthcare sectors. At Knowcraft Analytics, she works on valuation engagements for various financial and tax reporting purposes, including but not limited to purchase price allocations, 409As, ESOPs, derivatives and complex securities and strategic and M&A advisory engagements. She has an expertise in valuation of early-stage pharma/healthcare companies and related assets.
Prior to Knowcraft, Kritika was part of the Business Valuation team at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services for 2.5 years, where she worked on valuation engagements pertaining to purchase price allocation, goodwill impairment tests, and debt portfolio valuations. She also focused on valuation of banks and related intangible assets. At Deloitte, she also worked on audit reviews of valuation engagements.
Kritika holds an MBA from Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. She enjoys playing basketball and has participated in various national and corporate tournaments.
Upasak has over a decade of professional work experience, with expertise in valuing life science and healthcare IT companies. At Knowcraft, he leads complex valuation and consulting engagements. Besides being an integral part of business development team, he is actively involved in recruiting and nurturing talent, which forms the backbone of Knowcraft. Prior to co-founding Knowcraft, he worked at EXL, where he pioneered transaction advisory and complex security valuation services. He has proven expertise in valuing derivatives and embedded securities using complex models, such as Lattice or Monte Carlo simulations. Upasak holds a Master of Commerce degree from Gujarat University, India and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the ICFAI University, India. Currently, he is pursuing ASA accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers. He is an avid adventure traveler.
Dhara has more than 11 years of experience, with close to 8 years of experience in business valuation and investment banking roles, primarily in the life sciences and the health care sector. At Knowcraft Analytics, she works on engagements related to M&A advisory, financial and strategic advisory, financial modeling, financial reporting, tax planning, and management planning purposes.
Before Knowcraft, Dhara was a part of the Business Valuation team at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. for close to 4.5 years, where she worked on business valuation for M&A targeting, financial reporting, tax planning, and management planning purposes. She has also worked at Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., an Indian pharma company as part of its Investment Banking team; where she worked on financial due diligence and valuation analysis for its M&A targets, as well as its greenfield and brownfield expansion.
Dhara has completed all 3 levels of the CFA exam, conducted by the CFA Institute. She holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Saurashtra University, India.
Animesh has over fifteen years of public accounting experience, serving both public and private companies in a variety of industries. He serves early-stage start-ups, private equity and insurance clients. He also has strong experience in transitioning and stabilizing the processes from onsite. Animesh has hands-on experience working on various ERP software such as QuickBooks Online and Desktop, NetSuite, Odoo, Sage and is well versed with upstream and downstream ERP to generate and analyse various reports.
At Knowcraft, Animesh leads the accounting team and spearheads the operations for clients engaged in accounting, auditing and transaction advisory services and provides technical support to clients as well as team members.
Animesh holds an active Chartered Accountancy license.
Animesh loves to travel, he is passionate about exploring new places and driving. He also loves to read and likes to unwind listening to music.
Nishma has over fourteen years of experience in business valuation services for companies in technology, life sciences and various other industries. She has performed valuations for more than 3,000 privately held business for a variety of purposes including 409(A) compliance, gift tax, purchase price allocation, portfolios, and complex derivatives.
Before joining Knowcraft Analytics, she worked with Mindtree Ltd. where she was a senior analyst and was responsible for setting up valuation practice. Prior to Mindtree, Nishma was associated with Outsource Partners International (eventually acquired by EXL) where she was involved in valuation services for 409(A) compliance purposes.
She holds MS (Finance) from ICFAI and Bachelor of Commerce from Gujarat University.
Kriti has been associated with Knowcraft since 2013. She has 10+ years of experience in the valuation industry, and has led engagements on various offerings including 409As, ASC 805, ASC 815, gift and estate valuations and portfolio valuations. She is also actively involved in hiring, training as well as marketing initiatives at Knowcraft.
Prior to joining Knowcraft, Kriti was associated with Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu Limited, where she worked with the real estate valuation team on engagements like audit reviews, purchase price allocations and lease advisory.
Kriti holds Masters in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.
Saumya has more than 11 years of professional experience, with more than 10 years of experience in business valuation. At Knowcraft Analytics, she works closely with clients in meeting their business valuation requirements regarding financial reporting (ASC 718), corporate tax (IRC 409A), gift and estate planning, purchase price allocations (ASC 805), goodwill impairment testing (ASC 350), and complex security valuation (ASC 815). Saumya is also actively involved in recruiting, training and mentoring the talent at Knowcraft.
Prior to joining Knowcraft, Saumya was a senior valuation analyst at KPMG and conducted business valuation work for financial reporting purposes.
Saumya is an MBA (with specialization in Finance) from IBS Hyderabad, ICFAI University; and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (with honors in financial and marketing management) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi.
Saumya is an avid reader of fiction and classic novels and champions the cause of animal welfare.
Vivek has more than 10 years of experience spanning business valuations, equity research and financial modeling. At Knowcraft Analytics, he primarily works on engagements related to financial and tax reporting. He has rich experience in 409A, business valuations, purchase price allocation, gift and estate tax planning, goodwill impairment and stock-based compensation. Before Knowcraft, Vivek was associated with Drewry Maritime Equity Research and was engaged in equity research of global shipping companies. Prior to this, he was associated with Amba Research as an equity analyst and supported bulge bracket investment banking clients in financial modeling and valuations.
Vivek holds an MBA (Finance) from ICFAI Business School, Bangalore. He also is a CFA from the ICFAI University, India and has completed Level 2 of the CFA exam, conducted by the CFA Institute US.
Hitesh is a seasoned professional with 16+ years of experience in the US and Canada tax compliance engagements. Prior to joining Knowcraft Analytics, he worked with KPMG and handled multiple tax projects. He was a part of the due diligence team and assisted his team to migrate two major engagements, wherein he streamlined the processes and built macro-based templates to bring efficiencies. He also managed a 20-member team during his tenure with KPMG.
Hitesh reviews US & Canada Individual, Corporate, Partnership, State and Local tax, Provision, and estimated returns. He also is an expert in Canada bookkeeping, expat tax, notice to reader and review engagement clients. Hitesh is also involved in learning and development efforts.
Hitesh is a Certified Public Accountant (Montana license holder) with Enrolled Agent credentials.
Harpreet has more than 9 years of professional experience, with more than 8 years of experience in business valuation. At Knowcraft Analytics, he leads a team of individuals working on portfolio valuations along with tax & compliance and financial reporting valuations. He works closely with clients in meeting their business valuation requirements regarding Fair Value Measurements (ASC 820, formerly SFAS 157), financial reporting (ASC 718), corporate tax (IRC 409A), gift and estate planning, etc.
Before Knowcraft, Harpreet was a part of the Monitoring and Control lending team at Barclays Shared Services for 10 months, where he was monitoring the complex debt covenants and doing credit analysis on the companies based in the United Kingdom (UK)
Harpreet is an MBA (with a specialization in Finance) from the International College of Financial Planning (ICPoP), Delhi; and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Kota. He has also completed Level 2 of the CFA exam, conducted by the CFA Institute (US).
He loves traveling, listening to Punjabi Music, playing Cricket, and catching up with friends and family over the weekend.
Harshit has close to 6 years of experience in the field of valuations for Life Sciences companies. At Knowcraft Analytics, he works on engagements regarding financial reporting (ASC 718), corporate tax (IRC 409A), gift and estate planning, fair value measurement (ASC 820), Revenue Recognition (ASC 606), and complex security valuation (ASC 815).
Before Knowcraft, Harshit was a part of the Business Valuation team at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. for 3 years, where he led the audit reviews of ESOP valuation, private equity portfolio valuations, and several valuations associated with financial/tax reporting.
Harshit holds a PGDM degree, with a specialization in finance, from the International Management Institute, New Delhi, and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. He enjoys driving, hiking, and exploring new places.
