GLOBAL CAPABILITY CENTER
GCC Setup in India: Vision to Capability
Our GCC consulting and execution support helps you build a high-performing global capability center in India, covering setup, talent, processes, governance and operational readiness.
WHO THIS IS FOR
For Global Enterprises Evaluating or Building a Captive India Center
This service suits mid-to-large global enterprises where the offshore decision sits at board level and spans multiple functions. It fits organizations wanting strategic GCC advisory alongside hands-on execution, rather than a purely transactional outsourcing relationship with a delivery vendor.
What We Offer
Strategy, Setup and Ongoing Execution
We cover every layer of a capability center, from feasibility and entity coordination through infrastructure, hiring, shared services and governance reporting to global headquarters.
Feasibility assessment
Cost, talent availability and operating model evaluation before you commit.
Operating model design
Captive, partner-supported or hybrid structures matched to your objectives.
Entity setup coordination
Practical incorporation steps coordinated with your legal and tax advisors.
Leadership hiring
Recruiting the country leadership that will own the centre.
Workforce build-out
Scaling teams across the functions your centre will run.
Infrastructure and vendor setup
Office space, technology and vendor relationships ready for go-live.
HR and shared services
Payroll, compliance and administration run to global standards.
Governance and reporting
Structured reporting and controls that keep global HQ informed.
Model
Models offered
GCC Setup & Launch
Establish and launch your India GCC from the ground up
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
Build and operate the GCC initially, then transition it to the client
Function-Led GCC
Establish specific business functions within India
Centre of Excellence (CoE)
Build specialised, high-value capabilities in India
GCC Scale & Transform
Expand, optimise and evolve an existing India GCC
How It Works
A Phased, Long-Term Build Partnership
Each phase produces a decision point, so commitment deepens only as feasibility, hiring and early operations prove out against your global business objectives.
Assess
01
Assess
We evaluate which functions suit India, the cost and talent advantages available, and which operating model fits your goals best.
Plan
02
Plan
We build a roadmap covering entity structure, location, talent strategy and governance, each aligned to your stated global business objectives.
Establish
03
Establish
We coordinate entity setup with your legal and tax advisors, then recruit the leadership team that will own the centre
Operate
04
Operate
We stand up infrastructure, vendors and shared services, then run daily operations through ramp-up with structured reporting to global stakeholders.
Transfer
05
Transfer
As the centre matures, we gradually transition operational control to your own in-house leadership, phased on a timeline you define.
WHY Stratsmith
Consulting Depth with Execution Accountability
We engage at leadership level on the decisions that matter, then stay accountable for the on-ground execution that turns those decisions into a functioning center.
When GCC Makes Sense
When You’re Ready to Build a Capability, Not Just a Team
A GCC makes sense when you want more than additional headcount in India. A global capability center gives you a dedicated hub to build specialized expertise, consolidate operations, support global teams and create a scalable platform for long-term growth aligned to your business strategy and operating model.
FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions
How is a GCC different from offshore outsourcing?
Outsourcing hands a function to us to manage; a GCC is your own captive center in India, built to your standards and eventually run by your own leadership. We act as the execution partner that helps you get there.
Do you help with legal entity incorporation?
Yes. We help with legal entity incorporation and advise on the practical steps of entity setup, along with legal and tax structuring decisions.
What does the build-operate-transfer model actually mean?
We help stand up and run the center during its early phase, then transition day-to-day operational control to your leadership team once it is established, on a timeline you define.
How long does it take to set up a GCC?
The timelines depend on scope, functions involved, and entity structure.
Can we start with a pilot function before committing to a full centre?
Yes. Many clients start with one function or a small team to validate the model before scaling into a broader centre. You can start with as small as one function or one employee.
Can the GCC operate under a white-label or co-branded identity during the build phase?
Yes. Where relevant, we can operate the center under a white-label or co-branded identity until control transfers fully to your leadership.
What is the typical team size for a GCC engagement?
Team size depends on scope and functions involved, ranging from a small pilot function to several hundred employees.
What support do you provide after operational control transfers to us?
We remain available for advisory support and can step back in for specific functions if your team needs additional capacity later.