Abhay Bhutada: A Transformative 15-Year Journey in Business and Philanthropy
- Parag Shetty
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
TL;DR: Abhay Bhutada’s 15-year journey is marked by his rise from an SME finance professional to founding TAB Capital, a digital lending NBFC, and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. His contributions span both the financial sector and philanthropic work, focused on education and cultural preservation, with a legacy of empowering individuals through both business and social impact.
Abhay Bhutada’s career is an inspiring blend of entrepreneurship, strategic mergers, and giving back to society. Over the past 15 years, Bhutada has successfully built and led businesses, made a significant impact in the financial sector, and founded the Abhay Bhutada Foundation to focus on educational and cultural causes. His journey is a reflection of leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to social change.

A Strong Beginning in Finance: Bank of India
Abhay Bhutada’s career began in 2010 at the Bank of India, where he worked in SME finance. This early stage of his career provided Bhutada with the foundational experience needed to understand the financial needs of small businesses. It was here that Bhutada witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing financing, an insight that would later shape his entrepreneurial journey.
His time at the bank helped him realize the potential for creating a financial service model that could better support these businesses, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.
Founding TAB Capital: Revolutionizing Digital Lending
In 2016, Bhutada took a leap of faith and founded TAB Capital, a digital lending NBFC focused on MSME and consumer lending. The company was built on Bhutada’s vision to provide small businesses and individual consumers with easier access to financial services through digital platforms. TAB Capital’s approach combined the power of technology with finance, offering a faster, more streamlined loan application process and eliminating many of the barriers typically associated with traditional lending.
TAB Capital’s success was rooted in its ability to offer MSMEs the capital they needed to grow, as well as its digital-first approach, which allowed the company to reach customers across the country.
The Strategic Merger: Expanding Reach and Market Presence
In 2019, Bhutada merged TAB Capital with a leading NBFC, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This merger was a strategic move that enabled the newly formed entity to expand its offerings and reach a broader audience. By combining forces, the company was able to leverage the strengths of both organizations and introduce new, more diverse financial products.
The merger enhanced the company’s position within the industry and allowed Bhutada to scale his vision, solidifying his place as a key player in India’s evolving financial landscape.
Philanthropic Commitment: The Birth of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation
In 2023, Bhutada shifted his focus towards social impact by founding the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation was created with a mission to support education and cultural initiatives, particularly aimed at empowering underprivileged youth. The foundation’s key initiatives include the distribution of STEM kits to schools, enabling students in underserved areas to engage in hands-on learning and explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s work reflects Bhutada’s deep belief in the power of education to change lives. Through its various programs, the foundation continues to provide opportunities for growth and success to youth who may otherwise have limited access to quality education.
Leadership in Cultural Preservation: Trustee of Maharshi Vedvyas Pratishthan
Abhay Bhutada’s influence extends beyond the business world and into the cultural sphere. In 2024, he became a trustee of the Maharshi Vedvyas Pratishthan, a prestigious institution dedicated to preserving India’s cultural heritage. His involvement with the Pratishthan reflects his commitment to ensuring that cultural practices, arts, and traditions are preserved and promoted for future generations.
Through his work with the Pratishthan, Bhutada actively supports efforts to integrate cultural heritage with social development, bridging the gap between India’s rich traditions and the future of its economy.

Conclusion
Abhay Bhutada’s 15-year journey showcases his exceptional ability to lead and innovate. From his beginnings in banking to founding TAB Capital and eventually launching the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, Bhutada has consistently demonstrated his commitment to both business success and societal well-being. His work in finance has empowered businesses, while his philanthropic efforts continue to make a significant impact on education and culture. Bhutada’s legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and leadership, inspiring future generations to build businesses that contribute to both economic growth and social good.
FAQ
1. How did Abhay Bhutada start his career?
Abhay Bhutada began his career in 2010 at the Bank of India as an SME finance professional, where he gained valuable insights into the financial challenges faced by small businesses.
2. What is TAB Capital, and how did it impact the finance sector?
TAB Capital, founded by Bhutada in 2016, is a digital lending NBFC focused on MSMEs and consumer lending. It revolutionized the sector by providing quicker and easier access to finance through digital platforms, helping small businesses grow.
3. Why did Bhutada merge TAB Capital with a leading NBFC?
In 2019, Bhutada merged TAB Capital with a leading NBFC to expand the company’s reach, diversify its product offerings, and increase its market presence, ultimately strengthening its position in the financial industry.
4. What is the focus of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation?
The foundation focuses on supporting education and cultural initiatives, particularly for underprivileged youth. It works to provide access to quality education, including programs like distributing STEM kits to schools.
5. What role does Abhay Bhutada play in cultural preservation?
Bhutada is a trustee of the Maharshi Vedvyas Pratishthan, where he contributes to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage, supporting efforts to safeguard the country’s rich traditions and cultural practices.


Comments