IRS_04Investor Readiness System™ 2–4 weeks

    Cost Structure & Discipline

    Expose hidden costs, leakage, and misallocation — then re-architect the cost base around fixed/variable balance and unit economics.

    Why it matters

    Most startups don't have a cost problem — they have a cost-visibility problem. Hidden SaaS sprawl, vendor leakage and mis-allocated overhead silently compress margin until diligence exposes it.

    Scope covered

    Fixed vs variable cost mix analysis
    Hidden cost & leakage audit (SaaS sprawl, vendor overlap, shadow IT)
    Cost-per-output benchmark by function
    Cost-allocation framework (function / project / geography)
    Zero-based budgeting introduction (selected cost centers)
    Vendor consolidation & renegotiation playbook
    How we run it

    Our methodology

    A senior-led delivery sequence — not a template dump. Each phase is operated with your team and external counsel, not handed over as a deck.

    1. 1

      Cost classification

      Week 1

      Re-classify the cost base into fixed / variable / semi-variable; map operating leverage across volume scenarios.

    2. 2

      Leakage audit

      Week 1–2

      Teardown of SaaS sprawl, vendor overlap, shadow IT and travel/perks — rupee-quantified leakage list.

    3. 3

      Cost-per-output benchmark

      Week 2

      Build per-engineer, per-lead, per-shipment cost benchmarks vs sector; identify the worst three outliers.

    4. 4

      ZBB pilots & vendor renegotiation

      Week 2–3

      Run zero-based budgeting on selected cost centers; sequence vendor consolidation and renegotiation waves.

    5. 5

      Allocation framework & tracking

      Week 3–4

      Install the cost-allocation framework (function / project / geo) and the monthly leakage tracker.

    Deliverables

    • Cost structure teardown report
    • Leakage & hidden-cost audit
    • Cost-allocation framework
    • Vendor consolidation roadmap

    KPIs & Targets

    • Cost leakage identified8–15% of opex
    • SaaS spend reduction20–35%
    • Fixed-cost ratio improvement−5 to −10 pp

    Stakeholders

    CFOCOOProcurementITDepartment Heads

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks