3 July, 2025 | News

From PHIA to Emerging Giant: How KPMG has supported startup journeys.

Every great startup begins with a brilliant idea. But transforming that idea into a thriving, scalable business

demands more than just passion–it requires getting the business fundamentals right. At KPMG, we’ve

been partnering with startups through the Philips Innovation Award (PHIA) for over a decade. From

GreenCompute, ExCulture and LALALAND to Felyx and LoopBiotech: we’ve helped them with their growth

challenges in the early years and beyond.

So, what do we mean by “fundamentals”? Read on to learn about the fundamental topics you can think

about in your growth journey.

Once you have your idea, you need the right structure to protect and grow your innovation. This includes

setting up a legal and operational structure that protects your intellectual property and supports your

long-term ambitions. For example, we support startups in setting up efficient and scalable holding & IP

structures. These arrangements not only safeguard innovation but also optimize tax positions, laying the

groundwork for growth.

 

A compelling pitch can open doors, but a clean, well-structured cap-table keeps them open. Investors

look for clarity and strategic alignment when deciding who to invest in. That’s why we provide support

on preparing cap tables for investment rounds, to secure the best position necessary for attracting

funding for various expansion plans.

 

As your startup grows, so do your compliance obligations. Expanding internationally or even operating

across borders comes with an array of tax rules and reporting requirements. Our team has supported

startups in streamlining their VAT processes and navigating international tax landscapes. Whether its

understanding transfer pricing, import duties or digital services taxes, being proactive in your tax

strategy helps avoid surprises and ensures smoother global operations.

 

Growth often means working with partners, suppliers or platforms that help you go to market faster,

but these relationships must be backed by well-drafted contracts. We have supported PHIA-winners in

developing third-party seller agreements to ensure clear expectations and minimize legal risk.

 

Lastly, no matter how great your product is, in the end your team is your greatest asset and keeping

them motivated is important— especially in competitive tech ecosystems. We’ve helped numerous

startups implement tailored employee incentive plans such as Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS). We also

advise on setting up remote working schemes, helping teams stay connected and compliant while

operating across jurisdictions.

 

Startup success isn’t just about moving fast, it’s about building smart. From structuring and tax to funding

and team management, getting the fundamentals right early on creates the clarity and stability you need

to scale with confidence. At KPMG Meijburg & Co, our colleagues from the Emerging Giants team are here

to support you in preparing for what’s next.

Knowlegde is power

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