if i want to build a flight search engine in my company name how much it could cost in india can we ask for equity share split without investing money

Building a flight search engine can be a complex and resource-intensive project, and the costs involved can vary widely based on various factors, including the scope of the project, technology stack, feature set, and location of the development team. Below are some estimated costs and considerations for building a flight search engine in India: ### Estimated Costs 1. **Development Team** - **Developers**: Hiring skilled developers (front-end, back-end) can cost anywhere from ₹500,000 to ₹2,000,000 per developer per year. You may need a team of several developers, depending on the scope. - **UX/UI Designers**: Professional design can cost between ₹300,000 to ₹1,500,000. - **Project Manager**: A project manager can cost between ₹600,000 to ₹1,800,000 annually. - **Quality Assurance**: QA professionals can cost between ₹500,000 to ₹1,000,000 annually. 2. **Technology Costs** - **Infrastructure**: Cloud hosting (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) can initially start at a few thousand rupees per month but can scale significantly based on usage. - **Licensing Fees**: If you plan to use existing APIs for flight data (like Amadeus, Sabre), these can have significant costs depending on usage and agreements. 3. **Other Costs** - **Legal Fees**: For establishing the company and managing contracts — ₹50,000 to ₹500,000. - **Marketing and Launch**: Initial marketing to attract users could require a budget ranging from ₹100,000 to ₹1,000,000 or more. ### Total Estimated Cost Based on the above, the total cost could range from approximately ₹5,000,000 to ₹20,000,000 (USD 60,000 to USD 250,000) or even more depending on your vision and specific requirements. ### Asking for Equity Share If you want to ask for an equity share split without investing money upfront, it’s possible, but it usually requires compelling value propositions, such as: - **Skills and Experience**: If you have significant expertise, experience, or industry connections, you may negotiate for equity in lieu of cash. - **Business Development**: If you can drive revenue or have strategic partnerships lined up, these can justify asking for equity. - **Soak Up Costs**: Offering to handle project management, marketing, or other critical roles can also support your case for equity. Make sure to have clear agreements and legal frameworks in place before proceeding, as equity stakes will impact ownership and profit-sharing in the future. ### Conclusion While it is possible to pursue building a flight search engine with a combination of skills and equity instead of cash, having a well-thought-out plan, clear vision, and potentially a prototype can significantly enhance your chances of securing partners and investors.