From 5 to 50: Scaling a GCC in India Without Breaking the Bank

🌱 Start Small. Scale Smart.

One of the biggest myths around Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is that they require massive upfront investment and large headcounts from day one. But more and more global companies are discovering that you can start lean — with just 5 team members — and scale up to 50 or more without burning cash.

In this article, we walk you through how to build a phased GCC growth model, how to plan costs at each stage, and how to maintain control while expanding.

🧩 Why Start with Just 5 FTEs?

For mid-sized and scaling companies, a small team offers a perfect entry point into India without the burden of setting up a legal entity or committing to long-term office space.

✅ Advantages of Starting Small:

Test the talent quality and workflow in real-world conditions
Minimize risk while exploring a new market
Adapt quickly if your org structure or priorities shift
Save significantly on infrastructure and compliance

📈 The 3-Phase Scaling Framework

Here’s how companies can scale their GCC operations in phases, balancing control with cost efficiency.

Phase 1: Foundation (5–10 FTEs)

✅ Use EOR model or local partner for hiring

✅ Co-working or managed office space

✅ Initial team in support, analytics, or development roles

✅ Shared tools and management processes

💡 Timeframe: 30–60 days

💰 Estimated Monthly Cost: ₹2–₹6 lakhs (~$2,400–$7,200)

Phase 2: Stability (11–25 FTEs)

✅ Move to dedicated office space or hybrid setup

✅ Begin hiring team leads & mid-level roles

✅ Set up basic HR, IT, and ops governance

✅ Invest in documentation & onboarding SOPs

💡 Timeframe: 6–12 months

💰 Estimated Monthly Cost: ₹10–₹18 lakhs (~$12,000–$21,600)

Phase 3: Scale (26–50+ FTEs)

✅ Dedicated office with secure infra & branding

✅ Formal HR policies, payroll system, retention strategy

✅ Senior team in place to manage deliverables & culture

✅ Evaluate moving from EOR to full GCC entity if required

💡 Timeframe: 12–24 months

💰 Estimated Monthly Cost: ₹20–₹40 lakhs (~$24,000–$48,000)

🧠 Where Do the Cost Savings Come From?

Talent: India offers a large pool of skilled professionals at 50–70% lower cost
Infra: Shared services, co-working, and Tier-2 cities reduce rent & setup cost
Compliance: EOR or partner-driven models reduce legal & HR overhead

📍 Real-World Roles That Scale Well

Tech: Developers, QA engineers, data engineers
Analytics: Research analysts, BI teams, insights generation
Support: Healthcare transcription, operations, customer success
Back Office: HR support, finance & compliance teams

🛠️ How Global Cap Center Supports You at Every Stage

Whether you're at 5 FTEs or looking to cross 50, we provide:

Scalable office space and infra options
Hiring support across roles and levels
Setup of SOPs, governance, and performance reviews
Guidance on when to shift from EOR to direct GCC
Full people & culture management support

🚀 Ready to Scale with Confidence?

With over 25 years of hands-on operations leadership, we help global firms scale their India presence efficiently and sustainably — without the usual complexity.

📩 Email us at support@globalcapcenter.com📞 Or schedule a free strategy call today

Let’s scale your team — smartly and cost-effectively.