CS Bilu Balakrishnan

Bilu founded Meenakshi Associates with a clear objective: to offer curated expert advisory that combines legal analysis with commercial judgement. His practice spans business set-up for startups and mature companies, complex agreements and documentation, management and governance structures, capital-raising options, corporate disputes, IP protection strategy, restructuring and joint ventures.

He regularly advises on cross-border matters, including FEMA and DTAA questions, share-purchase arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, and software, SaaS and application IP strategy.

A committed knowledge-sharer, with 20+ years of experience, he has delivered more than 100 technical sessions for professional bodies, industry forums and founder communities on governance, compliance and corporate law.

Through his professional and advisory practice, he has worked extensively with businesses across South India and the UAE, while also advising clients with cross-border business interests involving jurisdictions including the UK, UAE and Malaysia.

With his experience at the intersection of law, governance, business strategy and commercial relationships, Bilu Balakrishnan has also founded Agreementa — a practical and business-focused approach to legal agreements — helping businesses create, review and understand contracts that support clarity, protect commercial interests and build stronger business relationships.

Bilu holds a Master of Financial Management (MFM), a Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM) and an LLB (General) degree. He is a Fellow Member (FCS) of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

He has also successfully completed online certificate courses in Contracts Law through Harvard University via edX, and Innovation and IT Management through IIM Bangalore's IIMBx platform via edX.

He is a Certified CSR Professional of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), a Registered Independent Director with the Independent Directors' Databank of IICA, and a Member of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).