Lokendra Tomar (Finodaya Capital): 10 Key Things You Must Know
Overview
Lokendra Tomar, known for his pivotal role at Finodaya Capital, is a prominent figure in the Indian financial sector. He co-founded Finodaya Capital, a non-banking financial company (NBFC), which recently raised significant seed funding aimed at supporting micro and nano enterprises through innovative lending solutions. Tomar's leadership and vision are instrumental in the company's approach to integrating technology with traditional financial services, often referred to as a 'phygital' model. This innovative strategy aims to enhance financial inclusion for underserved sectors, making Tomar a key player worth knowing about in today's financial landscape.
1. Early Career at ICICI Bank
Lokendra Tomar began his career at ICICI Bank, one of India's leading financial services companies. He spent over a decade in various roles such as Regional Head for Retail and Business Banking, and Product Head for Business Banking. His tenure at ICICI Bank provided him with extensive experience in financial services, particularly in lending and business development, laying a strong foundation for his future ventures in the NBFC sector.
2. Founding of Finodaya Capital
Tomar co-founded Finodaya Capital alongside Abhitabh Dixit and Neeraj Biyani, both former colleagues from ICICI Bank. The company was launched to specifically address the credit needs of micro and nano enterprises, which are often overlooked by traditional lenders. Finodaya Capital was created with a vision to provide secured loans against property, leveraging technology to streamline processes, thus enhancing accessibility and transparency.
3. Securing NBFC License
In 2025, Finodaya Capital received its NBFC license from the Reserve Bank of India, a significant milestone that enabled the company to operate independently in the financial sector. This license signifies regulatory approval to offer a range of financial products, primarily aimed at loan disbursements to small businesses, thereby marking a new era of growth and opportunity under Lokendra Tomar’s direction.
4. Seed Funding Achievement
Under Tomar’s leadership, Finodaya Capital managed to raise $2.5 million in seed funding, led by White Venture Capital and other investors. This capital infusion is intended to establish physical branch networks across Madhya Pradesh, aiming to disburse loans worth Rs 50-100 crore by 2026. This achievement underscores Tomar's ability to attract significant investment and the trust investors have in his business model.
5. Phygital Model Implementation
Tomar is at the forefront of implementing a 'phygital' model at Finodaya Capital, which combines digital platforms with physical branch networks. This approach is designed to maximize efficiency in credit assessment and disbursal processes, providing high-tech solutions with a high-touch customer service experience. This model is especially beneficial for micro and nano enterprises seeking accessible financial services.
6. Focus on Micro and Nano Enterprises
A core aspect of Lokendra Tomar’s vision for Finodaya Capital is its focus on micro and nano enterprises. These segments are often caught in cycles of high-cost borrowing due to lack of access to formal credit systems. By targeting these underserved sectors, Tomar is helping integrate them into the formal financial ecosystem, empowering them with the necessary financial tools to grow and prosper.
7. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Finodaya Capital, under Tomar’s guidance, is exploring strategic partnerships with other financial institutions to enhance its lending outreach. The company is considering co-lending opportunities, which would allow it to leverage the broader infrastructure and capabilities of established finance providers, thereby scaling its operations more effectively and efficiently.
8. Educational Background
Lokendra Tomar holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Jiwaji University. His academic background in marketing and business management has been instrumental in shaping his strategic vision, enabling him to successfully navigate the competitive landscape of finance and banking.
9. Future Prospects for Finodaya Capital
Looking forward, Lokendra Tomar is positioning Finodaya Capital to become a leader in secured lending solutions across India. The company plans to expand its physical footprint and explore new avenues for digital innovation, ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of financial services for small businesses and microenterprises.
10. Personal Leadership Style
Tomar is lauded for his strategic foresight and leadership qualities. His approach emphasizes a balance between innovative technological solutions and strong customer relationships. His leadership style is characterized by a deep understanding of market needs, an unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, and the ability to mobilize resources effectively for continued growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lokendra Tomar’s contributions to the financial sector, particularly through his work with Finodaya Capital, mark him as a visionary leader with a commitment to financial inclusion and innovation. His strategic initiatives have not only set Finodaya Capital on a path of growth but also paved the way for significant advancements in how financial services can cater to underserved sectors. As he continues to drive Finodaya towards its goals, Tomar is poised to make lasting impacts in the NBFC arena.